ryugakuseiamyj

I have to write a song!

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:43:11 GMT

Golden Week was great! Saturday hung out with Tanya in Yokohama which was fun.

Sunday I decided to be adventurous and go shopping in Yamato. I was not in the mood to deal with the golden week crowds in Yokohama sta. and Yamato is just as close if not closer and there are some malls there. Went to Hushush and 3can4on and bough some nice shirts. There is a huge Jusco there and an Ito Yokado there so I bought some food, all in all in was great shopping trip and I am happy I explored a new city.

On Monday the Shizuoka trip was canceled, my co-workers and I were go to have a BBQ instead in Futakotamagawa but the cloudy skies told us it was a bad idea so we ended up going to lunch at Fujimama's in Omotesando and then karaoke and to Hubs for dinner and drinks. The entire day Anthony toted around out bbq on his back with gas cans and all, which kind of became the joke of the day that no one else in the city can trump wandering from Harajuku to Shibuya while carrying a bbq that never got used lol. At Hub we were of course amongst a gazillion foreigners. When this large group of suited people came in we knew that that many foreigners all dressed professionally, it had to be an eikaiwa.....especially working during golden week, gosh am I glad I don't have to work on national holidays anymore.

Tuesday I relaxed. Did some laundry and errands and prepared for my return to work on Wednesday. Just one week off the week before and I felt like it was a big hisashiburi. I was so excited to see the kids and they seemed happy to be back too.

Ok so I love looking at peoples instrument cases, because usually if they have lots of different bumper stickers on their you can get a glimpse at their personality. There was this guy on the train and he had his case under his seat. Of couse I was immediately smitten because he was so tall and good looking but looking at his case I was even more intrigued. I did not know a single band that he had stickers for on his case. Sometimes cases can be pretty predictable with names like KISS or Rolling Stones, Bob Marley but this one had so many unknown names I thought I really need to explore the music scene here more, and not just rely on mainstream advertisements and tv shows to give me new people to listen to. He was definitely cool this dude no doubt about that!

Saturday went to Lagos Lagos with Fiona and Tanya. Had dinner and drinks, and played several games of darts on Lagos' new machine. Good night.

Sunday was great. I headed to Yoyogi park to check out the Thai Festival. A friend chickened out on me because of the rain so I decided to be all hard core and go anyway, and of course there was no rain to speak of the whole time I was in the park. It was great. So many Thai vendors flew in on Friday night and there was all kinds of food....noodles, fruits, juice, rice and all of it really good! I also got this adorable shoulder bag and a nice scarf, picked up some coconut milk and jasmine rice as well. They were auctioning off tuk tuks which I thought was funny, and these ones were a lot longer and more roomy than I remember. I thought about putting my name down just for laughs but I definitely am not in the market to buy a tuk tuk right now.

On Monday I had two classes in Fuchu. I really like these two classes and Fuchu is a nice area so I am enjoying going there each week. My two five year old girls are a riot. This Monday Momoka noticed that I say aha a lot and decided to question it. aha te iu wa nani(I'm too lazy to put it in Japanese)? She sad it several times and my reply was just aha. We all got the giggles after awhile and the rest of the lesson she and Yui were trying to use it. It was funny listening to Akiko explain to moms where they got this Aha thing from as well. Nice afternoon.

Yesterday one of my bosses emailed me to ask if I wanted to work two saturdays to cover for a mikihouse teacher. Normally I would say no to five classes a day on two saturdays, however at 4000 yen an hour I think I can manage!

Yesterday was the first day back to Bornelund after two weeks of holidays. It was fantastic, the kids were as cute as ever and seems every time we come back from a holiday they have grown. It was nice hanging with Ayako as well. Did some rearranging and redecorating of the classroom....hope Grant appreciates how kawaii it is.

Off to Nihombashi!

Yokohama!

Sun, 04 May 2008 01:35:32 GMT

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.

Reading

Sat, 03 May 2008 01:36:34 GMT

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.

Gotta Edit Edit Edit!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:57:40 GMT

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.

huh

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:49:34 GMT

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

What a Week!

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:49:14 GMT

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.

You know you have been in Japan too long when you start to think corn is the ultimate garnish.

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:02:07 GMT

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.

Journal Entries are best written over coffee!

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:35:32 GMT

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......I have to find a new word!

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:10:36 GMT

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!

crazy day

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:57:49 GMT

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?!?!?

dreaming

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:44:25 GMT

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.

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:23:28 GMT

I realized this morning that my thoughts last night were unfinished. So though I wish their was this unique sense of American Pride, that everyone had similar cultural experiences and a YAY America attitude(sometimes I think it would be great if we were a slighty larger Japan) I am not sure I would have enjoyed living in NY or RI as much as I did, if it hadn't been for the diversity. Usually when I start to miss home, I miss the tolerance, ethnic food, and diverse environment and people that make America what it is today. That is all for now.

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:55:36 GMT

I am starting to embrace the sound of squeaking shoes as children run.

One of my two year olds has started to police the classroom. If Aika sees that the boys are running around and not singing, she goes over takes their hand and returns them to their moms. It is quite cute. Unfortunately for Aika, Kota is quick on his feet and he maneuveres kind of like junior high school football player so feeling defeated, she retreats back to her mom and focuses her attention back to the activity.

One of my two year olds came in with a perm this week. Now while I can't believe a two year old has a perm, Riho looked even more adorable than before if that is humanly possible, so I approve. Mom said it took one hour and a half and the salon in Shinjuku has rocket ship chairs and cars, and the kids can watch dvds...............Next time I need a haircut I am going there.

Yoshikatsu gave me a white day present today. It was so incredibly sweet to be handed a white day present from a two year old. And to open it up and find out my name had been engraved on this lovely hankerchief, well needless to say he and his mom are getting a big thank you next class.

Just got a call from work and I will be leaving the office early tomorrow to go substitute teach in Funabashi for two lessons. I was hoping to have a nice relaxing afternoon before the weekend but no such luck. have upload some new videos to my nano for the long train ride home tomorrow.

So I hope P is reading this because I took a few minutes to think about what it means to be an American. My opinion on this of course changes all of the time, but for today here are some thoughts.

I really only use the word American to express my birthplace. I use it on paperwork here in Japan, my passport etc. but deep down inside there is not a lot that makes me feel connected to that word. For almost all Americans , their ancestors came from somewhere else(with the exception of the Native Americans), it doesn't matter how far back you have to trace your ancestry eventually you will find your foreign identity. Because of this Americans tend to cling to the culture and religion(amongst other things) that their families brought with them. As a Jewish girl I guess I do have somewhat of a unique perspective. Way back when, Jews formed their own communities and while yes they had nationalities, for example my ancestors were Russian, Austrian, and German, they looked to their religion as a source of culture and socialization. While an Irish American might celebrate St. Patricks Day, or a Mexican American might be looking forward to Cinco De Mayo, as a Jew I can't say that I have any ties to my ancestors birthplace. I once asked my Mom" what do Russians celebrate, and how about Austrians why don't we follow their traditions?" Her reply was Judaism while primarily a religion, also has a culture attached, and therefore we never really fully gravitated to anything else, because our faith gave us a sense of community and tradition. Almost all New York Jews can speak a bit of Yiddush(old conversational language) and we all know the best place to get local bagels with lox and shmear(words stemming from Yiddush). Kosher deli's have the best pickles and cold cuts, and if you have a nice shana pudem(beautiful smile) you might marry a handsome Jewish doctor someday. Jewish people can meet each other for the first time and though with most people there is that awkward introduction faze, with Jewish people you know to some extent, their background, lifestyle, and beliefs, there is an instant common bond.
That being said I wish there was more I could cling to as an American. Aside from putting ketchup on everything, I wish there was more of a community sense in the meaning behind the word American. I wish that in many a conversation with my students and Japanese friends, I could express my life as an American and refer to the whole country as a whole, not just the NY/RI /Jewish community. Wherever Americans find their community and culture, be it a Catholic church, a family full of Italian heritage, or a merengue class, I am not sure America provides any citizen with a strong identity, relating only to the country we come from or live in.
This past week I did an easter lesson with one of my schools. we had plastic eggs and bunny ears, chocolate the whole bit. The point is Easter is a natl. holiday, almost all Americans have it off, and yet it is a Christian holiday. So while I enjoy the day off I am Jewish so I can't fully relate. In fact most holidays in the US stem from religion, which means the US is borrowing culture from other organizations, for lack of their own. Ketchup, Baseball, and 4th of July, thats all I've got at the moment

A cool breeze requires some groovy tunes.

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 07:47:34 GMT

It is gorgeous out today. A light breeze and the sun is shining. If I were in the US on a day like today I would be driving with my windows down listening to Bacilos on my car stereo, but I'm not. Usually I don't complain about taking the trains here, I mean it is nice to think you don't need a car if you don't want one......the train system is just that good, but on a day like today I really miss my car. I rode the train to Yokohama station and took care of some errands and though I was listening to my ipod and there was a slight breeze on the train, it just wasn't the same.

In other news the past two weeks have been great, exhausting but great. The past two Thursdays I have met up with Nanami in Shimbashi for dinner. We went to this fabulous sholonpo restaurant one night. We got to talking and I think we are going to plan a trip together back to the States. I am already missing NY and RI and she is as well so we may be heading there in the fall when the tourist season is not so high.

I figured out that Nihombashi is walking distance from Tokyo station, so maybe I can take two trains from now on instead of three. The Ginza line tends to be insanely packed all hours of the day so if I can avoid it that would be great, and a little more exercise can never be a bad thing.

A few of my two year olds were on the news the other day. They were being filmed during their music and movement class that they go to once a month. These kids are overworked and under played with lol. At age two they are already going to private preschools, English lessons, music lessons, and movement classes. I wonder what their schedules will be like when they finally make it into private kindergarten.

On Friday I was in the office with not much to do except plan my lessons for the week. Jairo was in and we were speaking in Spanish all day. The staff kept asking us what language we were speaking and I got many compliments. It felt good to practice again, and Jairo said he needs to practice as well,so it is great that we have kind of found speaking partners in each other. I just wish our schedules matched up more. New words yesterday: calcomanía, and baba. We got lunch from the Indian place around the corner and I have to say the pumpkin and chicken curry was out of this world.
Brian came in in the afternoon and we were chatting a lot as usual. He gave me some good info on tax stuff, which I have idiotically neglected to think about, and now apparently taxes are due on the 17th and I have no idea what I should be doing. Gotta look into this.

In April a bunch of my co-workers and I are planning to go to Nagisa, this huge music festival in Odaiba. I have never been to Odaiba before and this is a fantastic excuse to go. If anyone here in Japan wants in let me know and we can make plans. It is going to be fantastic.

Tonight I am heading to Kamiooka and meeting up with Fiona, Tanya, and Sumiyo and we are going for sushi at my favorite kaiten place. While I used to work in Kamiooka, Tanya and I were always dinner buddies at least two or three times a week, and we became regulars at some of the restaurants there. People began to know us and our co-workers and it was nice going out to familiar places "where everybody knows your name and their always glad you came".....I really miss that. I miss this sushi place and the chefs there. One of them, so cute and just really nice always knows what we are going to order when we first come in so he immediately prepares two salmon maki plates and this has become kind of a habitual action for him and for us. It is nice to feel welcome and comfortable. I am trying to find that now in my new locations both work and home but it is hard. I am so excited to go back to Kamiooka, and though it is not a really famous or special place for most people, I really felt like I was part of a community there and that makes it wonderful.

There is just one more week until payday, and I can't express how much I need it to come and fast. It will be my first full paycheck from the new company which is exciting and should still be receiving some money from the old one as well. I may actually be able to put some money away this month (SHOCK!).

Laundry time!

Oh so adorable!

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:53:02 GMT

My students are a riot. They have some much personality, spunk, humor, and emotion packed into their pint size bodies. On Tuesday I worked at Bornelund. I love all of my students but my day at Bornelund seems to be the best. It is relaxed, the atmosphere is great, Ayako is awesome and being in Harajuku is cool. I had such a great time on Tuesday and just laughed and laughed and laughed, the kids were just so adorable.
My class of two years olds was finishing up and the three boys put on their shoes and ran out into the toy store to go play. I joined Daisuke, Shotaro, and Rintaro at the train set and they were having a fabulous time. Rintaro's mom said it was time to go so Rintaro started waving and saying bye bye. Ayako and I waved bye bye and so did Shotaro. Mom said say goodbye to Daisuke in Japanese, and Rintaro goes over and waves his hand and says bye bye. Daisuke didn't even look up from the trains which prompted Rintaro to turn to his mom and say "あれ？！？” He said this two or three times over. It was so cute!!!!!!! All of the moms and Ayako and I cracked up. It was so funny. Japanese kids are hilarious. Later on Daisuke's mom said it was time to go which made Daisuke yell out "NO!!!!" It was fantastic, he hadn't used any English in the entire lesson but here he was yelling at mommy in a foreign language. Afterward mom tried to get him out of the store and he kept crawling back with tears in his eyes. The entire staff and teachers were waving bye bye and eventually through the crying fit he waved bye bye as well and went along with mom.
Whoever thought of the idea to put an English learning school in a kids toy store was a genius.

KIMOCHIIIIIIIIII!

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:59:58 GMT

ok so it is about 50 F today and here I am in my apartment waiting for a post office to deliver my package! Now granted I am never upset where deliveries are concerned, I love getting mail, especially from the US, but it is so nice out! I have my windows open and I just want to go for a walk with no winter jacket. Anyway I hope this weather lasts until Spring because I just hate throwing on tons of layers to go to work.

Two nights ago I watched this fantastic show on tv. Reality of course, but they were showing the viewers some famous art and artists from the 3D art world. It was amazing. There is an artist who uses packing tape and by layering it on this light up board he can create portraits or scenes it is just fabulous and I think it is on display in Pennsylvania somewhere. There was a guy who can make realistic looking bicycles and motorcycles completely out of cardboard, everything from the gears to the chains.This other woman takes number and letter blocks and arranges them on a white wall in a way so that if a light hits it from a certain angle you get this amazing shadow art of faces and figures. There was also this troupe of people do shadow puppet esc shows and do these incredible balancing acts with about twelve people behind screens to create animals or architecture. The last guy paints 3D images on concrete. He made this amazing mural of a puddle and running water coming from a hose, and this large piece of cracking ice that if you stood in a portion of the image it really looked like you were standing on the edge or the ice or holding the hose creating this puddle. All of the artists and work on the show were just amazing and it was nice to be really wowed by watching Japanese tv.

Yesterday was also nice weather wise. I went to the office in the morning and did lunch with Miu and Brian and some other Japanese co-workers at this Italian place. It was actually quite good and the Tiramisu was fantastic. After that I went to do an Academy guest visit in Kabe. Kabe is on the Ome line and though it is in Tokyo it is pretty close to Saitama so you get that inaka feel on the way out there. Even though it was an hour and a half train ride from Iidabashi the weather was so nice that it was great to get out of the city center. I taught two classes both of which had some really great kids. The first class was a riot with five second grade boys. And it was funny when one of the first students arrived he turned to his teacher and said "こんどかわいい先生を来ます。"　(This time a cute teacher has come) I nearly died it was so funny. The school visit was fun and I am kind of sad that I won't have more in the near future, the kids were so smart and I actually liked going out into unknown territory. I managed to sleep on the way home and magically woke up right as we were arriving in Shinjuku(you would think I was a Japanese salary man).

Today after the post arrives I am heading out to pay some bills and run some errands, and then hopefully tonight I will get to meet up with Nica somewhere. Tomorrow I can relax ,enjoy the nice weather, and clean house a bit and then it is dinner and drinks for Markos farewell in Shimokitazawa. Apparently the izekaya we are going to is all decked out in an Andy Warhol theme....I'm kind of excited.

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:29:55 GMT

Today was great. Found out that the illy cafe that I go to religiously every Wednesday and Thursday(there are a couple of KGU alums that work there and the coffee is great!) has a lovely man from Milan behind the counter. Guess I have to brush up on my Italian in case we cross paths again.

Collette was supposed to be dropping by after work to talk to me about the new trial lesson format, but as she didn't have any supplies/paperwork and I didn't either, we just headed home together and had a nice chat on the train back towards Yokohama.

Just happened to stroll into the GAP today and of course I liked 80% of what was in there. Naturally I stayed too long and ended up buying something. Anywhere else I go shopping I usually can show some kind of restraint but I can never really walk out of the GAP without having made a purchase. I bought this nice white sweatshirt which I shouldn't have bought, and though I know I will wear it, I still feel guilty.
I couldn't help but think about my chats with Hiroshi(head of women's line for the GAP Japan) at NOVA, I really wish I had his email or some way of getting in touch cause not only did he have a cool job but he was just a nice, interesting guy and always a pleasure to chat with. If there is anything to be missed about NOVA its some of the students.

Looking back on this week, I have been eating way to much bread. I think it is because in the evenings I get home and I am too exhausted to cook, but I really have to cut back somehow. I have to figure out a way to stay healthy even though I have this exhausting schedule and I am always reaching for finger food. Hmmm...

Tomorrow I am in the office in the morning then heading to an academy school in Kabe. Saturday will be a possible dinner out with Nica in Tokyo which should be fun, and then Sunday night will be the "don don fade outo" goodbye party for Marko.

Back to the James Bond movie on channel 12.

Hugs for a cause?

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:55:21 GMT

Yesterday I worked in Harajuku like I usually do on Tuesdays. The weather was nice so walked from Shibuya both way instead of taking the Yamanote. As I walked home yesterday evening I had this huge urge to buy a hat. There are two very cool stores along Meiji dori and I was contemplating joining the hat wearers society, but alas my lack of funds for the month told me I should wait until March. People who wear hats seem to have this unique personality, and this great sense of self (or at least in my eyes they do)....they just seem chill.

When I arrived at Shibuya station last night the free hugs people were still at it. I'm wondering why? I would like to think it is just to make people smile or laugh, or feel loved but in the world today everyone has a hidden agenda. Maybe they want to be discovered by Fuji telebi, but my hope is that it is just for the smile, I hope they caught a glimpse of mine.

This morning I look like a horseback rider. There are some mornings where you wake up, throw on some clothes and you realize that your outfit resembles a character or more of a Halloween costume, rather than everyday wear. Once I threw on an outfit and I appeared to be Amelia Earhart(spelling?) ready to take flight. Today I am a horseback rider. I just hope my Chanel and Dolce mothers in Nihombashi will approve.

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:22:22 GMT

So yesterday was great! I was in the office all day but it was actually quite enjoyable. Ayako, who I work with at Bornelund was in in the morning, and I spent time chatting with her and Miu. I have become addicted to the laminating machine so I printed out lots of resources and laminated. In the afternoon Grant and Marko came in so we just chatted and tried to look busy. Masudasan informed me that as of April I will be spending Fridays at the Funabashi Mikihouse. While I love teaching, Funabashi(close to Chiba) is even further away than anywhere else that I work, and I am starting to enjoy Fridays in the office. After work Miu and I went for coffee and then Marko, Miu, and I went out with Grant and a few of his Japanese friends, and Brian and Jairo met up with us. I think Miu is happy to have some younger people in the office, because most of my other Japanese co-workers and bosses, while very nice, are just a tiny bit older, late 30's and 40's. Even though we went to Shibuya, which I usually avoid because of all of the crowds, we went to this great izekaya and I got discounts on my drinks because I beat the waiter at a janken match!

On my way home a saw a very interesting business man. He was dressed completely in black from head to toe(as they do here) even black briefcase and shoes, but he was carrying this humongous yellow melon in a clear plastic bag. I'm thinking someone told him he needed to spruce up his outfit with a bit of color, and so he went out and bought a melon.

Also outside of Shibuya station there was a line of Japanese young guys with signs saying free hugs! Now while I think this is cute, it also made me think....I should hope they are free because who would actually pay for a hug????!????

It was also payday yesterday and payday is never a bad day!

After I recovered from my extreme hangover headache this morning, I headed to Yokohama to pay some bills and do some food shopping. Came home and made the most delicious grilled chicken ceasar salad . Hanging out for a bit and then meeting Fiona at Lagos Lagos for dinner and drinks.
Unfortunately tomorrow will be reserved for cleaning, and laundry.

Snow Snow Snow YIPEEEEEE!

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:57:16 GMT

Ok so last night I went out with a few friends for Okonomiyake and Karaoke! It was raining in Kamiooka but it was great to get out and see people. Asuko's sister was visiting from Italy and it was great to finally meet her. It was also nice to catch up with Fiona and Tanya on a Saturday of all days! Managed to catch the last train home which was good, but much to my surprise there was about an inch of snow on the ground outside my station! I didn't leave Yokohama last night and yet from one side of the city to the other, the weather was completely different, crazy! Anyway I am always excited for snow, I love seeing a white world outside my window, but because it is not exactly freezing temperatures here, the air is very humid which means the snow is really wet, and slush and puddles can be found everywhere. I might be investing in some goloshes(spelling?) to make puddle jumping more reasonable......wearing your ballet flats is not so reasonable for this kind of weather.
Talked to my Dad the past two or three days and it seems he is recovering just fine from his surgery, heading back to the doctors on Tuesday and I hope all goes well.
My new Job is fantastic and I am enjoying the kids, parents, and my co-workers I get to experience three very different sides of Japanese working life which is cool. On Wednesdays and Thursdays I am in the Nihonbashi Takashimaya working for Mikihouse. I have to use the employee entrance, get a badge, and take the employee elevators. I can eat in the employee cafeteria which is huge and is usually filled during lunch hours. I can't use a bathroom on the same floor as where I work because they are worried customers might see me. I can't wear my Mikihouse apron outside of the dept. store and I can never use the escalators, only the stairs and employee elevators. When I arrive in the morning this announcer comes over the intercom and all of the Japanese employees practice their greetings and salutations ex: irashaimase, arigatogozaimas etc. it is quite funny.
On some Mondays and Fridays I am in the Shogakukan Office which is also interesting. Open floor plan, no small cubicles or offices. The desks are in sections with everyone facing each other and the boss sitting at the front facing everyone. Anyone who is above you or on your level is addressed as sensei so for example "Fujisensei" .You have to look busy. In general my company is pretty relaxed, the women come dressed in more casual clothes and the atmosphere is very friendly, but even when there is no work to do, you have to look busy. You do not want the boss or your coworkers to see you lounging. Usually people come to work between 9 and 10 but on the off chance that you are showing up a little later, there is lots of ducking and trying not to be noticed. One of the Japanese assistants whose desk is next to mine kind of walks low to the ground and when she actually arrives at her desk there is lots of bobbing of heads and good morning's and excuse me's. The head of my department ,Tanakasan he can barely speak English, but he is just one of the nicest guys, so sweet and cute, that everybody wants to please him. He is so likable that people feel the need to do their jobs perfectly. My co-worker Brian was asked to work on a Sunday once, and he told the woman asking that he couldn't, he had plans. Well another woman came over and the same thing happened, and then finally Tanakasan came over and I guess one smile and Brian was working on Sunday. Even though you don't need to stay past 6 or 630, people do, simply because they want to be perceived as hard workers in the eyes of everyone else. You never want to be the first person out the door.
I am learning so much about office politics and the very strict have to please the customer way of things at the department store that hopefully I can blend in a little bit more and slowly be able to forget a little from day to day that I still and always will be a foreigner in Japan.
It is so sunny here today I think I have to get out at somepoint but for now there is a pile of laundry calling my name!.

hmmm

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:04:44 GMT

For some reason yesterday my neighborhood smelled of sour cream and onion. Now this could very well be related to my growing head cold, my senses could be off or something, but sour cream and onion???? Goodness.

Olympics.

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 02:37:48 GMT

So I was just reading an article from the NYT on the air pollution in Beijing, and how if it is causing so many problems for the health of the people that live there, than for the visiting athletes it will be even worse. Seeing how Beijing will be in the spotlight all over the world during the olympics, maybe this will be the example other people need to realize we have to start taking care of our environment, if not for ourselves, than for the people in China who are making pennies a day to produce a lot of daily necessities we use in the US, and our luxuries like brand name clothing. I know that I myself do not do enough, there is always something more that can be done, but I will say that I am trying, and unfortunately thats more than I can say for some people.

Also in very exciting and happy news, I have a new job! After a crazy, stressful week, I actually can happily say that I have a new job and I am really quite excited about it! More to come later, when there is less pain in my right hand from typing on my cell phone so much!

Tomorrow, when will it be tomorrow

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:32:22 GMT

So I got a very very(I could say very 500 times but I will refrain) exciting email this morning at 730 and if all goes well I will have some enormously exciting news tomorrow. I can't stop smiling and it is only 930 AM it looks like it is going to be a loooooooooooong HAPPY day!

New York:1 Yokohama: 0

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:07:25 GMT

So I never really considered this before but when I went home for the holidays it became something I noticed quite a bit. New York City is a perfect flat grid. Now granted there are some hills and of course a few streets that don't match up, but in general NYC is just a walkers, runners paradise. Every 20 blocks is about one mile, and the only way we can know this is because most of the blocks are similar in size. When I was home I walked a good 30 or 40 blocks a couple of days and 50 or 60 the rest, it is just easy. So maybe we don't have the bus or train system like Japan, where something comes every five minutes, but hey in NYC it is easy to walk!
Not only can I not find street signs in my neighborhood but if I wanted to do some long distance walking to my destination my route would be something like this: around the corner and down the hill, up and over the pedestrian cross walk and down the other side, up a large hill pass some houses and then a convenience store and head left at the fork in the road back down a hill etc... I have noticed that maybe Yokohama is comparable to New York in terms of price of living, maybe a tad bit less in Yokohama, however it evens out based on the fact that anywhere u go you have to rely on transportation of some sort be it a mamachari, a car or a train u always need something.
NYC's appreciation level just went way up in my book. Now granted I probably am not going to walk all the way from midtown Manhattan to queens or brooklyn but at least within each borough things are accessible and that is just wonderful!

I'm here.... again!

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:13:01 GMT

I went home for the holidays. It was probably the best and worst trip of my life. I got to see and do so many things that I love with the people I love. But having an amazing trip and knowing that I am going back to Japan makes things tough Also having an amazing trip and at some points still thinking YAY I am going back to Japan, makes things super tough.

So some amazing things from my trip:

Chilling with my Mom and Danny!

Hanging out with the Howe Family!

Meeting up with Elana and Sophie!

Being in a Pet friendly environment,. I realized just how much I missed my dog and cats!

Eating cheerios for breakfast with skim milk, can't express how great that first bowl was!

Mexican Christmas eve, and Chinese take out and movies Christmas day!

The new kitchen in my moms house still not being finished and getting to watch real progress being made, it will be gorgeous when its done.

Shopping, oh how I missed finding shoes in my size!

Whole Foods!

Sleeping on a bed a meter above the floor. This is a luxury I am not sure I will ever experience in Japan!

Driving around.

Coffee and a danish from Seven Stars on Hope St.

Falafel from East Side Pockets, which I ate on the train to New York, while I enjoyed talking to people on my cell phone.

Arriving in Penn Station and taking the 1 to 96th and Broadway, that first NY arrival moment was just amazing!

Spending time with my Dad!

Dinner with the Gellars and speaking Spanish at the Mexican place on Amsterdam.

Maduras from the Mexican place......oh how I craved those!

Shopping the sales!

Being amongst a gazillion tourists in Rochafellar Center and realizing I am not one huzzah!

Bagels from H&H on 80th and Belly lox( its salted not smoked)....GAH Belly Lox! from Fairway on 74th and Broadway!

Ruggaluh!

My Dads cooking!

New Years Eve at Generos! Best Gnocchi ever!

Visiting the MoMa and the Natural History Museum.

Hot Dogs from Grays Papaya!

Anderson Cooper 360, No Reservations, and Project Runway all at their regular airing times!

Dinner at Sakagura on 43rd, speaking Japanese outside Japan(shock: this is vacation!).

Hamburger and Sweet Potato Fries from Nicks! Oh so delicious.

Walking like crazy all over the city!

Chatting with Asami in the US(her English is fantastic, my Japanese has improved, I can't remember if we ever spoke in English at KGU).

Calling some friends and not being charged a fortune.

Challah Bread and Chicken soup.

Not having to pay money every time you transfer from one train to the next, the subway and buses really are cheap man.

Family Dinner out the night before my return flight.

Apple Crisp made by Mary especially for me yum.

No room on the couch when the boys were over, I love a full house!

Being in a house and apartment with more than one room!

Open Space!

Snow, and lots of it!

     While these are all of the amazing things that I missed, and I am sure the list goes on, certain little habits and interests, also other aspects of my life, are just different now. Since my arrival in Japan for the second time, I have new interests and a different routine. My thoughts and opinions on things have changed, and I have a community of people that I love. I like my Yokohama life, pre loss of physical work I loved it and I was very much ready to say goodbye and come back, or at least I think I was.
    When I arrived at Narita, I took a crowded train back to Yokohama. Got off and lugged a suitcase and a duffel through a crowded station and took another crowded train home. Heaved my heavy baggage up the stairs to my apartment where it is now blocking the entry way until it is unpacked. Received another bill which I can't afford to pay. Turned on the space heater,sat down at my desk, turned on the computer, and checked my email.
    I realized that in the US even though I didn't have a lot of money to spend, there were still things I could do. When I was in NY I noticed, that I didn't have to take the train everywhere, I could walk. I could meet up with people and it didn't cost me money. I realized that food doesn't have to be expensive to be fantastic. Even in RI there was always something going on, and it was usually accessible. Staying in my mom's house and with my Dad even, I wasn't alone. I was never alone. Now granted if I hadn't moved out of the Hodogaya apt. that would still be true, somewhat, but here in Japan I am very independent and unfortunately at the moment it is not by choice!
    So of course for the most part, if I was still working full time, I could easily say that I love life here. I loved (and could love again) Japan. But it is scary to love a place, where I am without a job, and I am without a support system to help me in this time of need. I have plenty of friends here, but no one to really show me what I need to do, where I need to go, and who I need to speak to. In that regard if I were jobless in the US life would be easier. Jobless in Japan, jobless in the US it is still the same except, in the US I have my family to support me and help me get back on my feet.
I guess I love Japan, and if things start to pick up here then I will be more than happy to stay, but if they don't and I am forced to go back to the US, I think maybe it won't be so bad.