Soggy Shrimp and Soba

Well, it's the last day of school for the teachers before the New Year. Today we get to eat a special lunch of toshikoshi-soba (which I happen to like). Here is why:
Towards the end of the old year's final day at school or work, people often gather for one last time in the old year to have a bowl of toshikoshi-soba (年越しそば) together—a tradition based on people's association of eating the long noodles with “crossing over from one year to the next,” the meaning of toshi-koshi. While the noodles are often eaten plain with only chopped scallions, in some localities people top them with tempura.

I got a tempura shrimp floating in mine - so I guess Toyama is one of those localities.

Apparantly, cleaning is also a pre-new year's ritual, so maybe I'll get out the vacumn tonight and give my place the once over. I have a mountain of laundry to do anyway - hehehe.

The purpose of all this is to get ready to welcome in the new year with everything—including people's minds and bodies—in a fresh, clean state, all ready for the new beginning New Year's Day is held to signify.

To build him an arky, arky

The Lord told Noah
To build him an arky, arky
The Lord told Noah
To build him an arky, arky
Build it out of gopher barky, barky
Children of the Lord

Yes, this song has been on repeat in my head the last few weeks as the rain is never-ending sometimes. Christmas was a bright and beautiful, if somewhat chilly day. But since then – just rain! I am thankful my apartment is on the second floor.

I am bored! So you get random ramblings I am afraid.

First, I’ve been thinking how crazy it is that these kids have to come to school from 8:30 – 10:30 in the morning to practice whatever sport they are in over winter break. Then I remembered something from my days in high school. My freshman year, I decided that playing volleyball might be a good idea (not too much running) and I went to the organizational meeting. I was all gung-ho until the coach said that they practiced over Christmas vacation. Then I was like – screw that!!! That would cut into my travel time (always thinking about the travel – even back then). So no volleyball for me! Drama was probably a better fit anyway.

Second, I’ve lost a small piece of filling from one of my teeth. Not normally a problem, but as the tooth is in relative proximity to my brain I think about it ALL THE TIME. I am also afraid that the rest of the filling will fall out. Now it may be starting to hurt, or I may be thinking it’s starting to hurt – either way, I am driving myself and anyone who will listen insane. The trouble is I am not a big fan of the dentist in the first place and I’ve heard horror stories about ones here. And if the teeth of the general public is anything to go by – AHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGHHHHH!!! M-san says she knows a good dentist – her teeth are nice but she has metal caps!!! OMG! Maybe they do gold ones here – that might be a nice souvenir!

Only one more day of this imposed boredom and then I am off to Tokyo (again) to meet up with JoHo! Actually looking forward to my “forced” trip to Tokyo Disney (just kidding Jo) and seeing some of the 20 other temples and shrines in Kyoto. I hope this rain stops though – or well be floating around instead of walking. After this vacation, Danielle’s finances are on lock down!! No more UFO games and 100 yen store runs! Need money for summer vacation!! Being a “real” adult with bills sucks sometimes!!!

Postscript:
Hee, hee - I fell out of my chair! I am pretty sure that was the highlight of the teacher's room today. I leaned one way, the chair went the other. In true Danielle form, I jumped up and gave a cheer! Oh happy day!

Merry Christmas

Good news, a santa hat with heidi braids can camouflage signs of homesickness (had a wee bout after chatting with the family this morning). All is well now, I will be bored at school for the next 8 hours. I thought it would be dead here - but all the teachers are working and most of the kids are here for club activities - some vacation - hehe.


For your holiday reading pleasure, I submit my own holiday poem:

Twas Christmas Day, and all thru the school
Not a person was squeaking, ‘cept me on my stool.
The dust balls blowing, gently down the hall,
with me praying for the mild weather of fall.
The students were nestled all snug in their home,
cause it’s winter vacation, their free to roam.
So there’s me in my layers and fingerless gloves,
getting ready to search an internet site that I love.
When out in the hallway there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from my squeaky chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the sliding door I crept like a robber,
To see if there was someone out there I needed to clobber.
Yet what to my sleep deprived eyes should appear,
But the ghost of an ALT that used to work here.
He looked white and shiny and covered with frost,
and I wondered for a minute if this guy wasn’t lost.
With his breath, a white little puff,
he turned to stare at me all huffy and gruff.
He said “My name’s Paul Parkenhost,
and I’m Sugihara’s resident ghost.
Long ago I too had to work Christmas break,
cause too stingy I was to nenkyu take.
The days were too long and the time was to slow,
so I sought out a place, peaceful and quiet, to go.
To the library, the art room, the infirmary, the gym
to find somewhere warm, my chances were slim.
I finally settled in a corner and made ready to nap,
to forget about the holiday and the bad weather crap.
I made ready my pallet, curled up in a ball
and fell fast asleep inside the men’s bathroom stall.
I must not have heard the water pipes bust,
57 years old, frozen and covered in rust.
So here I am now, stuck in this school,
frozen to death in the men’s restroom pool.”
What could I say, he was freaking me out,
this white frozen guy with a sad little pout.
I said “What’s your point? It’s cold in this hall!
I’ve slacking to do and you’re causing a stall.”
He gave me, my layers and gloves a dubious look,
then disappeared in to thin air as sly as a crook.
But I heard as I returned to the warm toasty room,
a voice that penetrated the cold icy gloom,
“Next year take a trip, you'll be glad when you do,
or you end up like me, napping, alone, in a loo!”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Bonenkei

Ohh, only 2 days till Christmas!! You could probably still send me a present if you sell your first born to the USPS.
So tonight was the bonenkai (year-end party) for both of my schools. I couldn’t do both, so in true “divorced parent” style, Yatsuo said Sugihara could have me this year, but next year I “have” to go to Yatsuo. So to Sugihara’s party I went.
You may be asking yourself “What is a bonenkai?” Well, I imagine it’s what corporate Christmas parties used to be before budget cuts and alcohol bans (mind you, this thing ain’t free – most schools have an enkai “fund”). Let me elaborate.
To start, I began my adventure on the wrong foot – literally – I had two different shoes on. So I had to wear my virgin school shoes out into the cruel world of pavement. That aside, things went well. Utsu-sensei and I were the first to arrive, so we stared at each other for 45 mins till the rest of the gang showed up. From the moment I entered the room I knew this was going to be another adventure in Japanese culture for me. The party was at a traditional japanese restruant - low tables and cushions on the floor - and just a hint of heat. As luck would have it, I was seated across from the principle and vice-principle – so we got to make very small chat for 3 hours. But Utsu-sensei rigged the seating lottery and sat next to me so that I had someone to help me out. OH on a side note I can now say “what is that? what is this? and what is that over there?” in Japanese!!!

Of course, this wouldn’t be a story if there wasn’t a culinary adventure involved!!! Let me run down the menu for you: raw fish, fish and crab jello, a small potato, raw fish, one piece of broccoli, raw fish, veggies in peanut sauce with fish eggs, raw fish, boiled fish, shrimp with BIG black eyes, raw fish, crab, raw fish, sushi, cooked fish, raw fish, octopus balls, um did I mention raw fish, cold udon noodles and a strawberry and mandarin orange slice for dessert. Praise Buddha, cause this is the cool food school so Utsu-sensei ordered me a salad and tempura veggies and shrimp (with eyes of course – but I managed) and I got oodles of thanks for “sharing” my other food. I did eat the fish eggs – which I’ve discovered can be swallowed whole – and some of the raw fish, heavily soaked in soy sauce. In addition to all this yummy food, the alcohol was flowing freely. As I don’t drink beer, tea or wine – that left sake. And in Japan, it’s rude to leave someone’s glass empty!! So between the vice-principle (who, I am pretty sure, was trying to drink me under the table) and the janitor, my sake cup was never empty. At one point, the janitor was holding the sake bottle just WAITING for me to take a drink. I finally had to “hide” my cup!
Toward the end, we played BINGO for presents and the dude dressed as Santa and calling the numbers won the big prize – 100 bucks. I got a towel. But it was fun! Not as crazy as some enkais I’ve heard about – but defiantly memorable!

Ramblings of a Bored Blogger

Captain's Log - Stardate 21.12.2006
This morning I ventured to the icy planet, Gymnasium, to watch the inhabitants of this planet play volleyball with a green and white beach ball! After 2 hours of entertainment, I could no longer feel my lower extremities and had to return to the ship (the teacher’s room). Being somewhat bored I decided to beam myself to planet, 1-3, and have lunch with the locals. Fortunately, I’d been warned by my inside lady that lunch was going to be squid, shrimp and quail egg stir-fry! So, on my way to lunch, I made a quick trip to the ladies room and flushed away the offending evidence (bye, bye quail eggs!)!!!! Lunch was then an enjoyable adventure and I may return in the future. Wish they’d serve whale again.

After lunch, I hung out with the locals and they drew pictures for me. Bored with that I headed to another town to play some “table tennis” or “ping-pong” for those of you back home – LOL. The natives seem receptive to the English probes I send out and one asked me if I had a boyfriend in junior high. TMI you little alien – bahhaaahaaa.
Now I am back on ship, bored out of my mind once again, waiting for the shuttle to pick me up and take me home at 4 pm.

That’s all for now, ten four, good buddy!
Captain Beeker

Happy Birthday to Meeeeee

Goodbye twenties, hello thirties! I’ve entered the 4th decade of my existence! So what’s this mean??? Not much!!! LOL I do get a yearly discount of $48 on my car insurance in Japan – so that’s cool! Following recent years, I spent my birthday at a restaurant surround by friends, alas, this year it was in a different country and different friends. Regardless, it was an awesome day! We ate, socialized and karaoked! I didn’t get home until 6:30am. My neighbor, Satoshi, was the star of the evening!! He rocked the house at our 2am karaoke session and had us all laughing so hard we almost peed our pants! He sang the Beatles “Birthday” song (that, of course, reminded me of the good old days of parties at Chucky Cheese!!) On the birthday present front, I got some really cool stuff from here and home – thanks to all!!! Mom even managed to get a surprise past me!!

A Whale of a Tail

Well here is another story from the school lunch files.

Last week, I was very excited to spot chicken in my bowl. It was coated in some red sauce and my taste buds sang for joy upon the first bite. It was oiishiso!!! I was actually eyeing people’s plates to see if I could steal some leftovers.
So about 4 hours later, I am chatting with Fujii-san in the copy room and we have the following conversation:
Fujii-san: Have you ever had whale?
Me: Um, not yet.
Fujii-san: HA, you had whale TODAY!
Me: Really??!!?!? Tasted like chicken to me.
Fujii-san: Yes, chicken and whale in ketchup
Me: Well, that is why it is better not to know. But I’d eat it again!

And that, Captain Ahab, is a lesson in don’t ask, just eat!!!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful.....

Just when I was starting to think I was going to have to build an ark to float out of this place, nature throws me a curve ball and sends snow. Yep the snow has arrived. One minute I am reading a book in my car waiting for my laundry to dry, the next I am scrapping snow off my windshield and covering my clean, warm and toasty undies for protection. And from the looks of this first offering, this isn’t the “pretty, white Christmas snow”. It’s the pissed off rain that, while passing thru a layer of the atmosphere, says “How can I be even more annoying? Ah yes, I will transform into a wet AND stick mess!!! Bahhhaaaaaaaaaa!!" The arrival of the white stuff also means that the street sprinklers are now working. Seems the best way to remove snow is to make sure in never melts and everyone has to walk around in a perpetual puddle.
On a positive note, I may have a white Christmas! Wonder how snow days work around here?

Toyama 939-2376 Series Finale

Ah, as we head into winter, Toyama 939-2376 is going into hiatus. I am happy to report that some of the characters will be cuddling up with new loves to keep warm. Others will not be so lucky. I am still Andrea - hanging out in the library, waiting for someone to rescue my old ass (almost a year older now) - LOL. One of the trashy villains of the show met with a spectacular end - evil glares and general high drama followed by a fantastic "write-you-off-the-show" explosion*. I am happy to report (for the sanity of fellow cast members) that said baddie will no longer be featured on the show - there will be no "it was just a dream" sequence. With any luck, I can spin this show into a Discovery channel feature about a spunky spinster who travels the globe.

With the close of this series, I have been pondering why it is that, as people, we love thinking about the villain so much. Either we love to hate them, or we sympathize with them, or we just want to jump inside the TV and kick their ass. Why is this? Why do we spend so much time and energy on the ones who deserve it the least? Be it the crazy relative, the shitty friend or the evil co-worker – why do we let them occupy so much of our cerebral mush? Is it because we recognize something in them that we see in ourselves and secretly cheer or that we want to squash them like a bug because we think the world would be a better place? Whatever it is, in my case, I find it to be very annoying! Hum. I was thinking the other day that if everyone wished that their enemies were dead and it came true – we’d all be gone – (*<*). Cause at some point, even for a brief second, we are all someone’s villain.

On that note – check out the worst dressed for 2006 – some of them had me peeing my pants!

*not a real explosion - no one was physically harmed in the making of this show.

There're no tires like snow tires..

Well, my creative juices seem to have frozen up along with my toes. I’ve lost the will to blog – it’s been replaced by an overwhelming desire to take naps, and lots of them too! It seems the longer I stay here – the more normal things become. But every now and then my “Americanism” rears it’s practical head. Take for example the car I passed on the way into UniQlo (the Japanese “Old Navy”). It was running and there was a small child sleeping peacefully in the front seat. My initial thought was – “Did someone call the cops – where is the TV camera trying to catch shitty parents?” Then I just kept walking – cause this is Japan – where car seats are in the front, people keep their cars running at the konbini, and a fuck-up criminal commits suicide out of shame and his whole family gets the bad wrap too.
Then there was last Friday. As I was getting ready to leave, M-sensei approaches with her trusty electronic dictionary and I sense an awkward conversation on its way. Once again, she wants to discuss my snow tires.
Our conversation:
M: Well, Mr. JapaneseName called and said you should move rear wheel to front and front wheel to rear.
Me: Ah, rotate my tires?
M: Yes, whatever
Me: Okay.
M: But a different Mr. JapanName, the janitor of Yatuso-machi…
Me: (interrupting) – You mean the janitor of the school?
M: No, the janitor of the whole town. He changed your tires for you today during school.
Me: What, in the parking lot? during school?
M: Yes, he did this very nice thing for us.
Me (thinking – did I lock my car today?): Yes he did.
Blah blah blah.
In my mind this is just another huge difference between home and Japan. Cause back home someone would have called the police on this guy. And just how much would a Janitor of Dearborn Heights have to be paid – and would he even know to rotate my tires.

Could you be Related to Me?

Just Smile and Wave Boys!

There are times, such as today, where this phrase just repeats in my head. Over and over again. And it's usually in response to a failed attempt to make conversation with my co-workers or my students. I attempted to have a conversation in the teachers room today which resulted in me thinking this phrase and everyone else laughing.
I also had my first one-on-one (or two-on-one - cause my supervisor was translating) with my principle today. I was a bit nervous, as anyone would be when called to the principle's office. I was ready to get busted for my internet usage and my obvious slackerness! Alas, that was not the case. He just wanted to take my mental temperture and make sure I was okie dokie. I assured him that all was well and that I wanted to be of more assistance. DUMB - since then he wanted to know what I wanted to do to help - LOL. He said if I was ever afraid of anything I could come to him. He also asked me if I was planning on staying. So this is probably as good a time as any to let you all know I am pretty sure I am signing on for a second year, as I told him as well. All of this was relied via my supervisor - the fantastic Morita-sensei. Throughout the whole thing I just kept smiling!
I also realized today that when I get home and head back to corporate America, I am going to be a horrible coworker. Cause I am not going to know what to do if a coworker wants to make small talk. Right now I spend up to 8 hours without talking to anyone! Now that will be some culture shock!
I think if you have low-self esteem or a complex you could get real paranoid, real quick in this place!! "Are they talking about me? They ARE talking about me!!" LOL. I am beginning to wonder if, at some point, I am just going to snap and start shouting the phrase at people. As my attempts at learning Japanese are failing miseribly, I don't see things improving in the near future.
So for now, I'll just smile and wave!!!

Merri Kurusimasu!

Some of you have been asking how I am surviving the holidays in this heathen country. Well the good news is – Christmas is in the house. Well, all accept for Christ that is. It’s straight up Xmas here. And other then the big "J" missing, it’s pretty much just like home.

Allow me to compare:
The hakyu yen had Christmas decorations on sale in October.
They have been playing Christmas music everywhere – the grocery store, the mall, my gym
The local mall is decked out for the holidays – santas hanging from the ceiling and a huge light display outside
The normal folk have decorations up too – not as many as home – but there are some here with the huge inflatable santas, Mickey mouses, Winnie the Poohs, etc… Enough to do the tackiest holiday decorator proud. I am a wee bit sad to say I am the only one in my apartment complex with decorations in the window.
Santa will be paying a visit to my supervisor’s children (and me too I hope).
Colonel Sanders is wearing his santa outfit and I’ve seen various other service workers being forced to wear some form of holiday costume – hehehe – or in this case hohoho.
They can have "Christmas" parties here - no one to kick up a fuss about the "name"

One difference here (and one I find HIGHLY ironic) is that rather then being a time for families to celebrate (they save that for the big day – New Years), Christmas is a time for couples. Apparently, it’s quite the thing to have dinner and Christmas cake with your honey and then spend some quality time at a love hotel. If you are going to do xmas with the family, the meal of choice is KFC, a Christmas cake and some champaign.

The Christmas cake is a pretty big deal. It’s just a small cake decorated for the holiday – but they are CRAZY expensive – I kinda hope someone will have one just so I can try one. This cake has inspired the term “Christmas Cake” for single people over the age of 24. It seems that the cake is really popular up until xmas eve – then on the 25th it’s just a stall old cake no one cares about anymore. Apparantly this same philosophy applies to single people – LOL. Guess I am REALLY stale!!!

So to conclude - Japan took America's christmas at it's most commerical and ran with it! It's not like these guys needed another excuse to exchange presents - they've already got that down to an art form.

All I want for Christmas is turkey! Well.... and lots of presents too :P

Do YOU play?

Okay, this just happened like 15 minutes ago - but I need to preserve it for posterity. So I am having a discussion about video games with an ichi-nensei in the hall during cleaning time when my favorite disfunctional ichi-nensei, who we'll call Sushi, shows up. As always, he starts babbling to me in Japanese, as far as I can tell he's not a big fan of English. So the other student and I try to include him in the conversation. And he says "Do you play blahblah?" and I think, "so close Sushi". But I don't understand that word. SOOO he and the other students confer and then I get "Do you play masterbation?" UH - what do you say to that?? I just started laughing!! Then I get, "Do you play sex?" I try to reprimand them - but I am laughing to hard. I finally manage to say "No, I am not married" and walk away.

So the question of the day is "What do YOU play?" LOL

Seasons of Change

Hum, I sometimes struggle with what to put on this blog. I really do feel extremely personal and private stuff belongs in a journal that can be burned at a later date. But sometimes I have something that I want to share but then I think, do people really want to hear serious stuff – should I keep this light and fluffy? But then I realize this is my space to do with what I will and hell, people can skip this after reading the first paragraph – LOL.
So here’s the thing: I recently had a “discussion” with someone that made me realize I’ve been kinda selfish in my attitude regarding my friends. The ironic thing is that I learned more about myself during this “discussion” when the intent was to help the other person (but can’t talk to those who refuse to listen). This person made me realize that friendship isn’t about keeping score and that when you have someone who is there for you, maybe not all the time, but there for you, you should just roll with that and appreciate all of your friends for their differences. Friendship is not about what you can do for me, because I do this for you. And if you think it is, you will always, always be disappointed. And disappointment at the supposed failure of others just loses you friends. But I’ve also realized that we are friends with people for many different reasons, and sometimes when the reason is gone, so is the friend – and that is life. So don’t be sad, just be glad for what you had, when you had it.
In a previous post, I was worried what I am going to do when “crazy” comes knocking. I am now starting to think that my experience here – the overall Japan experience – is actually making me a (I hate to say better – cause I am already pretty good – LOL) different person. A friend from home commented that I am already more patient (I will not look to deeply into THAT comment, as I don’t like the negative connotation - hehe) – and maybe I am – who knows?
Time will tell I suppose.

Something wicked this way comes

I’ve had the title of this blog in my head for over a week now. It popped in there when I started noticing all of the bamboo teepees and rope rigging being erected over and on the shrubbery around here. My immediate thought was “if the greenery needs protection, what about me?” Heehee. Yes folks, the snow is on its way! Yesterday morning there was snow covering the foothills surrounding Yatsuo and this morning the news report had a freaking snowman where a cloud used to be. You might be saying “Danielle, you are from Michigan – you can handle the snow!” To which I say yes, but where is my dad with the snow blower! Not to mention, this country’s solution to snow removal involves a lot of water. Guess I better put my snow shovel back in my trunk and set the alarm for a wee bit earlier!
Anyway, last week my vice-principle asked if I was ready for the snow and if I’d ever driven in it before. Once again, I had to remind them that Japan is not the only country with 4 seasons and that on a geographic note – Michigan and Toyama are pretty much the same weather wise. Not really, I actually said, “Yes, I can drive in the snow.” As to that, I decided it would be a good idea to get my snow tires put on.
So Saturday, before going to Favore to see Casino Royale (very good – go see it – Daniel Craig as 007 – AWESOME!!) Satoshi and I stopped at the tire place to get my tires changed. We get the lady to come check out the car and she takes a look, says something to Satoshi, laughs and walks away. Hum……. Seems I have been driving on my snow tires the entire time I’ve been here! So that takes care of that. Yet another Japanese moment for me. I am glad I provide some amusement for these people.

Shite Sandwich

Well, yesterday was bit of a shite sandwich. It started and ended well with a bit of a shitty situation stuck in the middle. Here is how the sandwich was constructed:
Woke up after getting to sleep in (the first time in 10 days) and got on the webcam with mom for the unpacking of the 40 lb suitcase of souvenirs I sent home with Angela. While we chatted and sorted thru too much haku yen store stuff, I did 5 loads of laundry. It was a bit like Christmas watching mom sort all the junk I sent home. Anyway, after that was done I headed to Favore to buy a power strip so I could control my Christmas lights in a more civilized fashion and one to plug in all the computer paraphernalia Dad sent from home. I had dinner at the Italian restaurant here, as I’d been craving spicy pasta and I won two stuffed animals from the UFO machine (and stayed within my spending limit). All good so far.

Then I get to my car, put the key in and NOTHING! DOPE!!!! I left my freaking lights on and the battery is dead. No worries right – I’ll just call someone. WAIT, that’s right I left my phone at HOME! But no worries right – there is a gas station not 100 feet in front of me. WHAT, that’s right – I don’t speak the freaking language!!!! After some useful hand gestures, I got the guys at the station to call someone for me. Unfortunately, whomever they called wanted 100 bucks for a new battery when all I needed was a jump. “Sigh” I’ve yet to collapse into tears, but I am getting pretty pissy. So I decide just to walk to the nearest train station (about 10 min walk) and take a train home and get Satoshi to help me – he’s got to have jumper cable right??? Did I mention it’s raining? Thankfully, the train was on my side and I arrived 3 minutes before it’s departure. So I get home, knock on his door and he looks for cables – but of course, he has none. And he won’t/can’t ask the landlady cause he can’t drive his car anyway – he’s been hitting the sake. UGHHHHH. So I ask if I can just use his car to retrieve the FOUR bags of wet laundry in the backseat of my car. He’s cool with that. So I head back to Favore to get the clothes. Now that I have my phone in my possession, I return a call to Tiffany who suggests calling Ryan. So I do – but he doesn’t have cables either. SIGH – so at this point it looks like I can get the laundry done, Satoshi will take me to work tomorrow at 7am and I’ll have to walk the 3.5 km home and then figure out a way to get my car running again. I get my stuff, head back toward home, drop the clothes in a dryer and go to hide in Satoshi’s car. While I was in the laundry mat, Ryan called – it looks like he DOES have jumper cables – or in Japanese “busto cabaru” – and he’s willing to drive to Yatsuo from Toyama to give me a boost!!! EUREKA!!! I am saved. Needless to say, this is where it starts to get better.

Ryan picks me up at my place (I had to get Satoshi’s car back), we head to Favore, stand in the rain for 15 minutes while we figure out the jumper cables, and voila – my car is up and running!!!! I gave Ryan some gas money and brownie points and headed back to my laundry. Now I am at the laundry mat folding five loads of clothes and the owner comes in. Apparently, I teach her daughter at Sugihara. So we make some small chat (very small given our language abilities). She sees I have my stuff in four big shopping bags so she comes over with this huge plastic laundry bag with handles and says “Present for you”. SWEET! And it’s a nice bag too – it zips shut – which is a good thing since I found one of my socks on the stairs to my apartment when I got home.

The day ended with me back at home, all my clothes clean, a working vehicle and a nice chat with Jess. I got to eat the oishii cheesecake I bought at Favore 4 hours early and I plugged in my Christmas tree and put the presents from home underneath. My shite sandwich was complete, but overall the taste was pretty sweet – LOL.

Oh Deer!

Well - it's been an action packed week – Angela arrived on the 17th and I put her on a plane back to the states 10 hours ago. It was a great trip and I think I can safely say Angela saw all sides of this country. I even got her to an onsen – complete with little old naked Japanese ladies! We did discover that Windy has an outdoor onsen – very cool – and perhaps where I will spend most of my gym time in the future.
The itinerary for this week include Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Okasa, Toyama, Kanasawa, Yatsuo and a visit to both of my schools. By the end we were temple’d, Hard Rock’d, crazy jr high kid’d and souvineer’d out!!!!

Highlights of the trip included:
* The never-ending hunt for “Engrish” – “grass wine, please?”
* The crazy freakin’ deer in Nara park – see video below – hungry buggers!!!
* Harajuku – um, was that guy wearing a horse head? Sure was – see the photos.
* Q&A with Yatsuo ni-nensei – “Do you have a boyfriend?”, “What kind of man do you like?”, “What’s your blood type?” - MAN – I didn’t get these questions when I first got here.
* Tea ceremony in Kyoto – we got to make our own tea!
* And many more.



I particularly enjoyed taking Angela with me to school – it was like human show and tell. She was a hit and the kids were VERY excited to see her. Kinds puts everything into perspective for me – cause the kids were like that when I got here too – it was just happening “to” me – so I didn’t notice. We gaijin really out rock stars here – as least for the first few days. Now they don’t care – as evidenced by this comment:

Student to Angela: You are beautiful!!!
Student looks at me….
Student to me: Oh, you too.

“Sigh” – such is my life – LOL – of course, this same girl was following Angela around and sniffing her – so I am not going to worry too much.

Dropping Angela off at the airport today really brought home the fact that I “actually” live here!!! It was a bit overwhelming for about 15 seconds – cause I wasn’t going home too. Of course, the fact that I bought minimal souvenirs also emphasized this fact – LOL. As we walked though the stores I was like, I can get that later – LOL. Moreover, after 4 months of living here, I just discovered today that Toyama Station has an omiyaga floor – all the food and crappy souvenirs you could ever want!! Danger, Danielle, Danger!!!!!!

Um, Fig Newtons - Yummy!

Hum, stumbled across this site. Amongst other junk it tells you what your birth tree is. Sometimes this mystical stuff is a little to on the money - I've been reading about some of my friends - spooky how things fit! But I think mine is pretty much on target too - except for the animal thing - I just don't like um. The question is when will I meet the other 1/2 a billion fig trees in the world?

Here is me:

Fig Tree, the Sensibility
Very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a butterfly, good sense of humour, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.


What are you? Click to find out:
YO! What's my tree, beeotch?

That's a Major NC on Standard 4.2.3

Last Thursday (11/16/06) was Yatsuo Jr High’s equivalent of an ISO audit (not to be confused with a REAL ISO audit, since that methodology has invaded this country too). This audit was conducted by the Toyama Board of Education (BOE). BAC auditors, you’ll be interested to know you have counterparts in Japan, not as good looking, but equally boring. So I ended up sitting thru the 1.5 hour feedback meeting with the teachers, followed by the 45 min follow up meeting with the BOE – none of which I really understood. At one point, the guy did say the word difficult and I was doing the “I can understand Japanese” dance in my head. Anyway, here’s what I learned from this experience:
1. Don’t freakin mumble – others can’t copy what you are saying if you do – and that is just rude.
2. School desks are uncomfortable in any country.
3. I am destined to sit in the squeakiest chair in the ken OR I just fidget a lot.
4. Japanese BOE employees love highlighters and post-it-notes.
5. It IS okay to wear white after Labor Day, especially if its white tennis shoes with your blue/black pin stripped suit.
6. Japanese sleep thru meetings too.

I was also involved in two of the evaluated classes. One was okay and the other was the hit of the English discussion. Who’d have thought that an off-hand comment by my supervisor @ Sugihara would result in the piece de’resistance of my audited TT lesson at Yatsuo?
Here’s the short of it: Before Halloween, Utsu-sensei made a comment about the process of trick or treating in America. So I asked mom to video tape the kiddies who came to our house on Halloween. She and Dad put together a nice little ten-minute sound bite for me. This in turn became my largest contribution to the team teaching lesson plan for this special day. And it in turn received the most praise – the evaluator liked the “realism” and the emotion it evoked - whatever – hehe – my ego swells with excitement – I am not as sucky a teacher as I think I am!

She's Leaving On the Midnight Bus to Tokyo

I am typing this from a time little room in an internet cafe in Tokyo (I hate the keyboard, by the way). I left last night on the over night bus from Toyama to Tokyo - it’s cheaper than the train and only takes 6 hours. Unfortunately, it’s still difficult to sleep on despite a pretty nice set up and it drops you off on a street corner in central Tokyo at five in the morning. So there I was at the butt crack of dawn, no idea where I was, toting a backpack and 10 hours to kill before Angela’s plane lands at Narita airport. So I did what every stranded American does - I headed for the neon glow of the golden arches and had me some breakfast. But it was getting crowded about 6:30ish, so I wandered a bit. Chatted with a random Canadian on the street - another of my favorite things about traveling - spot someone that looks like you - stop and say hello! I killed another 2 hours napping on a couch at the "other" American mecca, Starbucks.　I have a newfound appreciation for that place!!!! And now I am here - waiting for the Tokyo Handicraft Shop to open and then maneuver my way thru the maze that is the Tokyo subway to get to the airport to meet Angela. I am sure I will have some adventure to report!
Random observation: Tokyo, and Japan for the most part, reminds me of a giant ant farm. Everyone seems to always be in black, with the black hair, industriously doing something. Or at least looking like they are doing something - even if it is sweeping the same spot every day.

From the Lunch Files

Bread, Bats, Bug Zappers and Burrrrrrr

Looks like it’s time for an update. Aside from random, pointless posts, I haven’t been keeping you up-to-date on the latest and greatest from Yatsuo. First and foremost, Japan has brought on the cold!!! I know it was a mere 90 days ago that I was cursing the gods of heat and humidity, but now I long for them to return (in moderation of course). As I type this blog, my fingers are frozen – and I am sitting INSIDE the teachers’ room at Sugihara and it’s only the middle of November. This defiantly DOES NOT bode well for the future. I am a constant source of perplexion for my fellow teachers as they can’t fathom why I am wearing short sleeves. Explaining to them that my winter clothes are in route is a monumentous task – so I just shrug and say “Yes, it sure is cold in here!” I believe I have mentioned somewhere that as a rule there is no central heating in Japan. This holds true for both of my schools and my apartment. I’ve yet to try out the kerosene heater – I just burrow under a pile of my super soft blankets. I’ve also decide I must need a super soft lap blanket for Sugihara – so Favore, here I come. Until then, I’ll just wrap my hands in my collection of washcloths (necessary for lunch and bathroom breaks as this country has yet to discover the concept of napkins and disposable hand towels).

Bats – yes folks, in addition to frogs, snails, lizards, prostitute spiders, dragonflies that need landing gear and other assorted large bugs, there are bats in Yatsuo. This just intensifies the aura of eerie that this place exudes. Tiffany and I are convinced that if zombies were real – they’d be living in Yatsuo. There is just no way to convey to you the heebee jeebees I get when I see the one car passenger train making it’s way to Toyama late at night. I just imagine that one day I’ll see that train and the little girl from The Grudge/The Ring will be staring back at me – moaning “go home” no less.

The newly redone Family Mart has gone old school and installed bug zappers. Upon my first visit to the reopened store, I was taken back to a BBQ in my backyard circa 1986. Who would have thought the sound of frying bugs could be so nostalgic.

Yes kids, yours truly made her own bread!!! I had a hankering for Olga bread and I couldn’t convince anyone to send me some. I did however get the recipe and some Tesco yeast packets from JB – so I decided to give it a try. Surprise, surprise after a few burnt pieces I have mastered the art of making pan-fried bread! I was pretty proud of myself!! Now I just need someone to send me some swiss almond cheese and some broccoli soup.

Opps, still no updates. Let’s see….. went to Uozo Aquarium on Saturday – very tiny, no famous firefly squid. They had a few fish, 2 turtles, 3 seals and some penguins. I thought it ironic that the café sold mostly fish dishes, until Tiffany pointed out you can get a hamburger at the zoo – LOL. Saturday night I ventured into the Toyama red light district (TRLD) on a manhunt. I saw many men – but caught nary a one. Did meet some real Russians though. The Russian ladies are my favorite – white furs and red lips straight out of 1982. Ryan owes me a round of drinks, so I guess I’ll be back for a visit to the TRLD. Oh, also got to sing Rainbow Connection at My Pleasure (local karaoke joint).

This is what random internet searching produces...

Desiderata

Anonymous

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

Update....

Um, it's been brought to my intention that a previous blog makes it look like I'll be coming home for christmas. Not true. I am a cheapskate and can't/won't pay $1300 buck for a ticket. I will be in toyama for the holidays :-). I have more to say on the impending festivities - but that is for a later blog.

Someone Hit the Lights, Please

*** Extremely Pointless Rant Below ***
A very good friend recently told me “You draw crazy to you like bugs to a lightbulb, my dear”. She is absolutely right – and I have no problem with crazy! You know why? Cause I am crazy (not in the clinical sense of the word of course). But today I realized that ‘crazy” kinda sucks. I have some friends (and one stranger I met on the street – gotta stop handing out cards) that are going thru some emotional crazy right now – be it relationship, employment or personal – that I’ve been taking the time to listen to them. Cause like I said – I know what I do and need when the “crazy” hits. Maybe not to the same extent, maybe not the same situation, but I defiantly understand. I understand the need to talk incessantly about a issue (I apologize to every one for pre-Japan stuff – LOL), the desires to just avoid the situation, or the hope that things will get better. But I also know that what or who they think is important and essential now – won’t be in time. Being the person I am, I want to beat this into their heads when they won’t listen to me – LOL. But the brain functions on a different level when ‘crazy’ is in control. Now I know how my friends must feel when I do my “crazy” thing. Mom, you are a SAINT!

This same friend with the “crazy” quote also said that we pretty much develop the attitudes and mentality we are today at a young age, and our coping mechanism rarely change after that. This is what is gnawing at my brain right now. Cause I am seriously concerned about how I will handle things the next time “crazy” comes knocking at my door. Will I have learned from my past experiences? I think not. Ugh! Will I act differently? One can only hope – but having read my journals from the last ten years, I doubt it – LOL. So I guess what this all means is that I need to keep my friends close – so the next time “crazy” shows up – they’ll try to beat the advice I am peddling to my friends right now into my head. Emotions are a bitch, but they are what make life worth living!

For Purple Mountain Majesties

One of my favorite things about living in Toyama is being surrounded by mountains. On most days, it’s hazy and the mountains are just silhouettes behind the city. But on a day like today, after a hellacious rain storm yesterday, the scene changes. Today was gorgeous. Crystal clear blue skies, sunshine, and the stunning Tateyama mountains with their snow covered peaks. I spent quite a few minutes staring out the window.

Another bonus to living in the mountains is the scenery that accompanies this landscape. On Sunday, a group of us traveled to Shomyo Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan. It’s Autumn here, so the mountains are turning into a carpet of color and as luck would have it, Sunday was beautiful weather. Got some great shots – click here to view.
Of course, I’ll probably be cursing the landscape once it starts to snow. I’ve already got a taste of the cold that is on it’s way – and there is no central heating in Japan (it would spoil the fish – LOL). Bought myself a second UBER-soft blanket to combat the cold. At some point I’m gonna have to crank up the kerosene heater – yuck – cause I hate the smell of kerosene in the morning – LOL.

Our Voices are Sensational and Spicy

Yes, little children, your voices are spicy. So much so, I was moved to tears on Saturday at Yatsuo Junior High’s cultural festival. Well actually, that was a hormonal response to the Japanese version of “Amazing Grace” and John Denver’s “Country Roads” – LOL. Let me tell you folks, there is nothing like John Denver in Japanese!
Overall, the cultural festival is an interesting event – kinda like science fair, art display, music concert, and conference all rolled into one. Of course, the highlight of the day was the English club display – assisted by yours truly! The focus was on American holidays. We blasted Easter, Christmas, and Halloween music and made Easter eggs. The three ladies in the club carved pumpkins, made posters, and constructed holiday “things” out of paper. Click here for the awesome Canon paper craft site. Listening to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” repeatedly brought on a HUGE dose of homesickness – I rushed home to purchase my ticket back home for the holidays. But there is no better cure for homesickness then a $1300 airfare. Here’s my pumpkin – any idea what it is? I was quite proud of myself.

Dust, Dust everywhere and not a broom in sight

Today was my 46th day of cleaning time with my students. And every time I get out my broom and start sweeping the steps – I have to ask myself – how can this school be dirty all the time if we clean it everyday and no one wears shoes from outside past the entryway? And better yet - where in the hell does all this dust come from? Alas, I believe I have the answers to both of these questions. To answer number one – I believe this place is dirty for several reasons:
ONE: they leave the cleaning to 250 kids who don’t give a rat’s ass about the concept of clean. To be honest, I believe they have honed “looking like they are cleaning” to an art form. I am pretty sure if I threw a piece of paper on the stairs, it would still be here, albeit in a different spot a few days later.
TWO: Since it’s the kids’ job to clean, no one else does it. There are no janitors making boku bucks in this country. And since the teachers are really just Japanese kids at heart….. You get the picture.
As for the dust in the country – that is a whole ‘nother story. Fortunately, during one of my hideout sessions in the library of Sugihara, I ran across the explanation. I submit for your reading pleasure the legend of Princess Kibou & Lord Zetsubou.

“Many ages ago, in the land before Swiffers, there lived, in Kosi (present day Hokuriku region) a beautiful princess, Kibou. Her father, Shinnen, had decided that it was time for her to marry. So he sent a message to all the royal families in the land to come and check his kid out. Many brave and handsome lords showed up (cause the princess was also loaded). But Princess Kibou didn’t really want to get married and get down to having numerous babies (as was the practice back in those days). So she went to see a crazy old lady, Chie, for advice. Chie looked into her green tea and gave Kibou the following prediction: “Of the lords that come to offer for your hand, there is one who’s very nature will call out to you, but you are opposites, and no good will come of your relationship. Beware.” Of course, you know what happens when you tell kids (hell, adults for that matter) to stay away from something.
On her way back to her father castle, Kibou met Lord Zetsubou. She looked into his eyes, there was an instant connection, and Kibou forgot all about what Chie had said. He followed Kibou home and joined the ranks of her suitors. The two spent all of their time together, to the annoyance of the others. But theirs was not a peaceful relationship – because they were opposites (as Chie had predicted) – they loved hard but fought harder. On the day they announced their betrothal, the god Jounetsu, who had been watching the two and knew they shouldn’t be together, cursed them. If they were to consummate their love, something really bad would happen. But because they were “in love”, they ignored this. They married and on their wedding night, at the exact moment of togetherness, Kibou and Zetsubou exploded. Chie, who was really a goddess, took pity on the two and turned their “matter” into never ending dust so the two would always be together. To this day, Kibou and Zetsubou blow around the Hokuriku region. And that is why Toyama is so freaking dusty!”

It’s all Monkey Business Around Here!

Happy Halloween!!!

As luck would have it, my supervisor found a gorilla mask and furry hands somewhere in the bowels of Sugihara. Being the excellent example of internationalization that I am, I donned said costume and ran around scaring the bejezus out of my unsuspecting students. I LOVED IT!!! And I suspect they did too.

It’s been quite a productive weekend for me. Friday was the JET Halloween party. $40 for all-you-can-drink (or as the sign said “free drinks” – um, hello, not free if I have to pay) for SIX hours. I didn’t last the whole time, as some of my posse weren’t feeling to hot, so we retired early. I had a great time! Ended up in a bathroom with Louise (I’m not sure why), partied with random Japanese folk, some stranger licked my ear, and I managed to lose most of the decorations sewn on my costume (and I have no idea how – LOL). As you can see below, I was a Christmas tree and along with my fellow JETs, we were the four seasons. Click here to view all photos from the party.

Saturday I had to work and I do not recommend having to work after the JET Halloween party. But it was the Chorus Festival / Cultural Day at Sugihara – so there I was at 8:15 and cursing the gods of culture. I made it thru the day’s events: PowerPoint presentations; exhibits on landmines, Cambodian culture, nasty food you can eat in the event of a catastrophe, ect; and the piece-de-resistance – 2 hours of singing. I got to be a judge and it was almost impossible for me to stay awake. My only hope is that they didn’t catch me sleeping on camera – guess I’ll know when I catch the concert in reruns on one of my eight TV channels. Overall, it was an interesting day – which I’ll get to repeat next Saturday at Yatsuo. Only there I am more involved – I have my own spot on the bulletin board.

Sunday I got my craft on at the clay doll workshop at the Toyama folks craft museum. I paint two little clay dolls (as gifts for some peeps back home). Then I headed to Favore to do some xmas shopping for the family. I purchased, for myself, THE SOFTEST blanket in the world. Almost makes me want to forgo pjs at night – but I say almost – LOL. Pre-birthday celebration for Tiffany’s birthday.

Monday I did not have to work (if we work a weekend – we always get a day off the next week). I headed to Gokayama with Stephen to check out the World Heritage Site there. Interesting stuff – click here for photos. Got to make my own paper at the washi factory (I love all the crafty stuff around here). Celebrated Tiffany’s 23rd birthday again with dinner at a Chinese restaurant. I had possibly THE BEST sweet and sour pork in the world!!! Tiffany had me in tears as usual. She said “food was the train to her heart and with that birthday dinner, I was on the Shinkansen.” LOL Very glad she and I ended up in the same Podunk backwater town!

So the best news this week is that Friday is a national holiday (Culture Day) so I have a three-day workweek. The bad news is – I have to work Saturday – culture day at Yatsuo. I am still trying to figure out what genius would ruin a perfectly good long weekend!! Oh well!!!

Advertisement: I’ve posted my BFITWWAS’s blog to my links. Jessica has joined the club and has some pretty funny posts!

Travel Advisory: Danielle is a cheap ass!

Who ever thought traveling in this country was going to be cheap (oh yeah! that was me) is on CRACK! In reality - Toyama is Michigan and Tokyo is Florida and it is the same price to travel between the two here as it would be at home! Cost me about 200 bucks round trip to get to Tokyo (and that's the overnight bus going and the fast train coming home). Where is Megabus when you need it? Since I am taking the overnight bus, I'll be getting into Tokyo at the butt crack of dawn with 7 hours to kill before Angela arrives at Narita. I maybe scoping out a nice bench to nap on at the airport. It's only slightly cheaper to get to Kyoto (about Y16, 000 RT). Seriously, folks, if you aren't related to me by blood and you want to see more of Japan then the backwoods of Toyama - you are going to have to do it solo (and a JR Rail Pass is a MUST). I will be happy to provide a nice pallet to sleep on, some Coco Krispies in the morning, and the best places to see in Kyoto and Tokyo (cause I have been there already - and they are pretty cool). But that is going to have to be it. Now if you are interested in visiting any of the following countries: Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Viet Nam, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Bali, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, etc… You know were to find me!

The BEST Advert EVER!

This probably says ALOT about my sense of humor - and I don't know if that is good or bad - but this commerical can make me laugh on the worst of days!!! I LOVE IT!

When your feeling low and the fish won't bite

You need a little David Hasselhoff to put things right!! This man has NO SHAME - and for that he is a god in my book!! For another exciting video check out this video

I love the smell of Bounce in the morning!

There is nothing better then opening up your mailbox and being greeted by the smell of sunshine and happiness!!! Thanks mom for the second batch of dryer sheets. On a whole, it’s been a good mail week – 6 letters/postcards in two days – WHOO HOO!
Someone anonymously posted that they want the haps in Japan (I know who it was - smiley dog lover), but I’ve avoided the blog arena for the last few days cause I’ve been in the mood to VENT about some of the kindergartners posted to Japan with me and I don’t think this is the forum to do that. However, I’ve had my therapy session and the moment has passed. So what have I been up to………

Well, last Friday I fell, or rather stepped, into a gaijin trap – and NO I was not drunk – I was completely sober – just not paying attention. I narrowly avoided injury, just a small scrape on my knee. Thankfully, it was dry – or I’d have had one very wet pant leg. I do feel I have been officially christened a member the the Foreigner community now though - and I can relate with my drunken sensei now - LOL!

Saturday I attended a Sumo wrestling match in Uozo. Interesting stuff! I couldn’t stop myself from taking picture after picture of the wrestlers and their butts!! It’s was too good to pass up. The atmosphere was pretty relaxed so I could get up close and personal with the sumo dudes. These guys are MASSIVE – one dude’s foot was the size of a small frozen chicken. This event will be extensively covered in the next newsletter.

Yesterday was my third Japanese lesson and I am pretty sure I am never going back. The reason is two-fold: I hate it and I received my Clair Japanese Language correspondent package at work today. So I think I am going to devote myself to the self-study and who cares if I can’t correctly pronounce the words??? At least my brain will still be a solid mass (Japanese class makes it melt into a mush of hurt).

I think I may have mastered my Hello Kitty keitai charm addition – but I spent A LOT of money to do it – LOL. I have all but like five prefectures (47 total). The Okinawa HK is a pineapple – I LOVE IT. Still, damn the convenience stores and their little toys!!!

YOU SUNK MY BATTLESHIP!

Had a REALLY great lesson with my ichi-nensei (7th graders) at Sugihara. We played Battleship with the grammar point of ‘Do……?” and “Does……..?” These are my wild and crazy kids and they were asking to play the game again!!! I was on such a high after that class – especially since it’s with one of my more difficult teachers (difficult meaning he doesn’t speak much English – makes teaching interesting). I feel that we will be playing a lot of Battleship in the future!

There's a Tear in My Meatloaf

I think I see a pattern forming here - really good or really bad school lunches = post to blog. Today was a GREAT lunch day - bread, piece of cheese, HOT soup (a rarity around here), salad, potatoes and what the Japanese classify as a hamburger patty. We'd call it MEATLOAF! Is it odd that food I wouldn't normally eat in America is cause for celebration here? It was oishii!!! And to top it off, someone went to Canada and we all got a maple leaf cookie as omiyage.
On a different note, today I experienced my first real bout of homesickness. I called home to wish Morgan “happy birthday”. She’s SEVEN – the age of reason - if you can believe that! If this were the Middle Ages, she’d probably be engaged to some old geezer by now. Anyhoo, the fact that I couldn’t be there for the Ceaserland party (and crazy bread) really bummed me out. I spent a few minutes hiding in the uber-toilet, drying my eyes. I’m over it now – but I think Christmas and my birthday are going to be a bitch. May need a carton of sake from the conbini– LOL.
Gotta jet (hehe – punny). ‘Lost’ marathon with Lani and James. God bless you Dad for keeping me up-to-date with my shows!! Rove you!

Let's Ditch This Place

I am officially an evil person!! As I was leaving school today, I heard a noise behind me in the parking lot. When I turned to see what is was, I saw two tennis shoes with legs attached sticking out of one of the 2 foot deep irrigation ditches next to the school building. My immediate thought was one of the crazy kids had fallen in while goofing off. I ran over to see if the person was okay. Imagine my surprise when it wasn't a kid, but one of my senseis!!!!! The sensei seemed embarrassed but okay. No visible injuries. The sensei scurried back into school. What makes me evil is that I have been laughing ever since about the fact that one of my senseis FELL into a ditch!!!! What makes it even more interesting is early today, I was pondering if this very sensei liked a little drink every now and then (faintly smelled of the sauce - could have been yesterday's natto). And then the sensei FELL into a ditch - and it's not like it would be that easy to fall into this ditch. Oh god, I am still laughing..... Now every time I see this person ......... Oh well, laughter is good for the soul :-).

Natto such a good idea!

Well, it’s been a few days since the last post and of course, it would be food that finally inspires me to write. Yesterday, I was privileged to try a Japanese staple, natto. What is natto you might ask? In my words – small pinto-looking beans, covered in tacky glue, which smells a bit like Bailey’s Irish Cream, and resembles snot when you try to eat them with your chopsticks. You eat this delicious food on top of your rice (which, in my opinion, is a great way to ruin good rice). In reality, natto is fermented soybeans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natto). You are supposed to mix it with soy sauce before dumping it on your rice, but that just increases the snot-like consistency and I couldn’t do it. Danielle eating her natto was the entertainment at Sugihara yesterday – they were much amused at the faces I made every time I picked up some natto with my chopsticks and snot tendrils followed – it was disgusting. I had natto strings hanging off of my nose!!! Still, better then the fish that came with it – LOL.

In other news, I attended my first yoga class at Windys last week. Sitting on a yoga mat, staring into wall to floor mirrors, surrounded by Japanese folks is quite an eye opener. I never realized just how big-boned I am – forget fat – I am just massive compared to these people. And about 1/10th as flexible. I felt a bit like Jabba the Hut surrounded by Ewoks and therefore had Star Wars in my mind the whole time. Picture Yoda, my yoga instructor saying, “Downward dog do you must!!!”, but in Japanese of course. It was hard as hell, but I’ll be going back, if for nothing else then to provide amusement to the other members of the class. And to get my 10 minute, 100 yen, chair massage.

Last weekend was another three day weekend – Sports and Health day national holiday. So I attempted to make the most of it.
Saturday: Discover Toyama Tour 2006 – hung out with some Japanese folk who want to speak Eigo with foreigners. Met a giggling 19yr old from Bangldesh (why did he keep laughing?) Went to a Buddhist temple for some Zen mediation. We meditated for 10 minutes – during which I was fully aware that a monk was walking around with a big stick and someone was going to get whacked with it. Luckily, it wasn’t me. Also visited the 500 buddha statues (very cool) which rumor has if you touch one of the heads and it warm, one of your ancestors resides there. I can report that none of my relatives’ spirits live in Toyama. Located the Toyama clay doll museum where I can get my craft on and paint some clay dolls and let my inner 5 yr old out.

Sunday: Up at the natal cleft of dawn for the Tonami Skyfest and the possibility of a ride in a hot air balloon. Unfortunetly, due to crappy weather (crazy rain from the distant typhoon) this was cancelled. So back home to take a nap! Dinner with R&T at an Italian restaurant that looked and felt A LOT like Denny’s and sells a 1500 ml bottle of wine.

Monday: 2-hour drive thru the Japanese Alps to Takayama for their Autumn festival. One of the three most famous festivals in Japan (check that off the list). More festival food – WHOO HOO! Very cool floats that are pulled around town by a team of men. Takayama is in the Gifu prefecture, so I’ve added 5 more Hello Kitty keitai charms to my collection. The drive home sucked as it’s a 2-lane highway all the way and there was construction and festival traffic and spooky plastic construction workers waving flags – I’ll try to get a picture next time.

Next weekend is booked too. The fun never stops in Toyama!!!

Sake to me!

Saturday night, I went to my first enkei (party) with some of the teachers from Yatsuo Jr High – WHOO HOO! When I first got to the restaurant I was like - Oh sh@t - this is a bad idea - having dinner with 8 people who don't speak English. So for about 15 minutes I was sitting there, laughing at myself (literally, I think the new math teacher may have thought I was a little odd). I also played Mystery Science Theater 3000 - making up conversations to the ones going on around me - LOL. Once everyone was there, they had me move seats and I ended up with the 2nd year Japanese teacher, 1st year fine arts teacher and 1st year earth sciences teacher - all men :-). Surprise, surprise - the Japanese teacher spoke the mother tongue (guess he’s been holding out on me) and the science teacher had a translator on his phone. The next three hours were actually quite entertaining. One of them asked me what Americans thought of George Bush's politics. I was like - are we really going to have this conversation with the equivalent of 250 words of English between the 3 of you and me with like 4 of Japanese - LOL. I was, of course, my diplomatic self. One tried to ask me about Hurricane Katrina, but I think they decided amongst themselves they couldn’t translate – so they had their own discussion – to which I added “That’s exactly right!” when they finished. They complimented me on my chopstick usage and taught me how to eat green soybeans out of the pod (I had one go rogue on me and land in the ketchup - thankfully only the art teacher saw it and he said it would be our secret - LOL). No one made me eat yucky food (shrimp with eyes) and I didn't have to drink beer - heehee. My watch died at 8:45 so I almost missed my 9:06 train – I had to make a mad dash for it.

OMG – people keep clipping their nails in the teachers room and it’s driving me CRAZY.

Sunday, I was invited to the “godfather” of Toyama, TT's, birthday party. At some point in the early days of our JET arrival, Lsan met this guy, whom she fondly calls her “Japanese grandfather”. Somehow, Lsan, Tsan, Msan and I were invited to his 72nd birthday party. So why do I call him the godfather? Well, Tsan coined him that last night as he continued to talk about his “contacts” all over the world. His cousin was the Japanese ambassador to China, he’s traveled to 58 countries (he worked for Holiday Inn), he speaks 6 languages and is the president of the Japanese/Russian society. So back to the party……. Unfortunately, for his guy, I have a very overactive imagination. And with his Russian connections, I was fairly convinced this party was a ruse to kidnap me and that someone was going to slip me a rufee and I’d wake up in some warehouse in Vladivostok. You laugh – but I have a pamphlet from the Toyama International Center that says in Japanese “I am a human trafficking victim, please call the Japanese police.” And if it’s come to the point that there is a flyer about it, I felt I should be concerned. I had this pamphlet with me and was prepared to stuff it in my underwear if I started to feel groggy. Alas, it was not necessary. The “party” turned out to be my three friends, TT, his wife and me. All four of us girls were like WTF have we gotten ourselves into. We sat around this guys dining room table while his wife fed us and he offered us numerous types of alcohol (from his travels). Msan and I samples the cognac from Armenia (NASTY stuff) and I finally settled on sake (as I hate beer and the other stuff was hard, hard liquor). We laughed a lot – at ourselves, the fact that a 72-year-old man was getting us drunk at 3 in the afternoon, all the food the wife kept feeding us, etc… Three hours and much food and sake later (it’s a Japanese tradition to always pore for other guests – therefore my little sake cup was ALWAYS full and usually to the brim) we made our escape. But not before we planned to hold my 30th birthday party there on December 15th – LOL. Trust me when I say – it’ll probably be a CRAZY time. In all seriousness, this guy is just a harmless, nice old man who’s benefited from nice people in foreign countries and likes to return the favor. Hell, he gave me one of his nesting dolls after I had mentioned my collection – so I love him – LOL. Nevertheless, I think I’ll keep the pamphlet with me just in case!

I'd Love to But......

Yesterday, it was jokingly said that I might be bitter about all the love vibes floating around. “Sigh!” Perhaps this individual was correct, although I don’t like the adjective “bitter” – it implies I am not happy for the lucky individuals and that I am on my way to 6 cats and a lap rug. I would go with “envious”. But this did cause me to ponder the matter for awhile and I’ve decided that I don’t really want the adjective “bitter” associated with my name – so I am henceforth going to stop whining about the love in the air (although even the characters on my favorite TV shows are hooking up – COME ON!!!). I am going to focus my energies on more creative endeavors – such as watching the spiders in Yatsuo quadruple in size! Their butts are getting so big!! Probably hooked up with another spider and got pregnant – oopps – heading down that slippery slope again…..
I’ve even decided that I will stop teasing my favorite couple – although that will be difficult, as I get “separation updates” – i.e. I haven’t seen blah blah in 4.5 hours – come one – that is just waiting for me to make a comment. LOL! (love you guys tons!!) And it’s my nature to be witty and sarcastic (please no comments).
Before I start this new life of Zen meditation and happy thoughts – I am going to throw one last hook out there in the event a stranger stumbles across this little blog. So here is my personal ad:
SWF, reubenisk in stature, loves: traveling, inarisushi, calbee potato sticks, squished pennies, pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. hates: ironing, smoking, crusty clothes, mean kids and snakes. Looking for SWM, 25 – not too old, same interests, sense of humor, wades of cash (so we can travel) and good stamina in bed and while cleaning the house. Serious or semi-serious inquires only, I get enough freaks thru YAHOO IM.

Sex, Love and Potato Chips

Where to start? Okay we’ll go with the potato chips – today I received a package from Ruth. The packing slip indicated there were potato chips inside and I thought to myself “Why would Ruth send me chips – they have them here?” Then I opened the box and light shown forth and a tear came to my eye. For there inside the box were three bags of Miss Vickie’s Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar chips. If Diet Coke is the nectar of the gods then these chips are manna!!!

So what about love? It's in the air for some of the characters on “Toyama 939-2376”. Hand holding and other general silliness associated with love/lust abounds. I, of course, am happy and envious for all involved. Where is my Brandon or Dylan? LOL. Tiffany did volunteer to club a guy over the head for me so I could have my way with him – I am still considering that offer. Also on the love front – I love the weather right now and yesterday I loved my school lunch. The weather is very fallish and no humidity – I will take this for as long as it wants to last. As for the lunch, I could eat EVERYTHING. There was even a little side of cream cheese for my bread – it was like an early xmas present. What else do I love today?? Ah, I went to the Windys, the gym I joined, last night and enjoyed the swimming pool and 5 hot tubs. I LOVE the bubble spa – it’s my favorite place in Toyama (even better then AEON). I have also lost 8 pounds – YEAH – now to keep that trend going. Otherwise, I really will be the sumo wrestler that some carnie food vendor at the festival I went to on Sunday called me. I hope that dude gets poked in the eye with one of his meat stick squewers!!

As for sex - this last weekend was the Toyama JETs Welcome Weekend - an overnighter at a campground at the base of Mt. Tateyama. The intent is for the 100+ JETs in Toyama to get to know each other better. I can honestly say some people definaltly "know" each other better. As for my impression, the event was rescued from mediocrity by the awesome group of people I hang out with (thanks “cool kids”). 12 cabins, 50 beds and 80 people – what’s wrong with this picture (no, not the picture below - LOL).

However, I do have one excellent story, as heard second hand from someone who was there. Here goes: (This story was better in the original telling because the storyteller had the annoyed occupant sounding like Dr. Evil.) My friend and I deposited two very intoxicated individuals in our cabin for safety reasons – they had started to roll down hills and fall over stuff. They ended up on the futon I had earmarked for myself (I ended up sleeping in the car). But they were safe and sound so we headed back to the festivities. Sometime after we left, the two started to get ‘friendly’ and this disturbed one of the other occupants. So the annoyed occupant says “If you have sex in this cabin, I will f&^king kill you!” So the two stop for a bit, but they start up again and the AO says “Did I tell you how I will kill you? I will slit your f^&king throats!” And that put an end to that – LOL. So that was one couple that didn’t end up ‘coupling’ but given the amount of alcohol flowing – I am sure someone got lucky – hehehe!

I had my second Japanese class tonight and I need to go soak my swollen brain for a bit. I now have COMPLETE compassion for my students!! Especially the boy who started crying in class today – I feel you brother – languages do suck! Who decided it would be a good idea to live in a country with four writing systems and 5000+ pictograms??? God bless Tiffany, Ryan and the others who translate menus for me – I love you!!
Well, this is my second time writing this blog cause my computer is being a bitch – so maybe it’s time for Danielle to say goodnight!!! Peace out!!!

Are you looking at ME?

I said are you LOOKING AT ME?? I swear to god this fish was talking to me!!! This is just an example of the delicious fish that greets me on a daily basis at school. When they asked if I wanted to buy school lunch I asked “Is there much fish?” to which they replied “No”. LIARS! It’s pretty much been fish every day – with a blissful pause for one day of curry rice and one day of chicken. So I just smile and say “oishii” and hide the bodies under my weird veggies (unless they are in the peanut sauce cause that is good stuff). I have also started a seaweed packet collection for Ryan – cause that boy loves this stuff – ewwwww!
So today was the best weather day, to date, in Toyama. Sunny, coolish, nice breeze. I was singing “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” on the way to school. Of course this weather means the huge spiders and their webs have quadrupled. Pedestrians beware of lurking webs. Tiffany is convinced they are out to get her and are weaving her name in their webs – could be true!
In a previous post, I mentioned that this place was a bit like the “Loveboat”, I would now like to amend that impression. This place is defiantly more like “Melrose Place/Beverly Hills 90210”. Toyama 939-2376 – where the girls are not quite as devious and the boys aren’t half as cute – LOL. And I am “Andrea” the old fart playing a high school student – OMG – so true, so true. Now I need to conger up a love interest for my character!! Seriously, this place really does feel like a TV show sometimes – I can watch what happens and I’d love to throw my shoe at the characters on the screen – but I don’t want to F#@# up my TV. Cause I like the TV and I love those characters!
This whole Japan experience is a bit unreal in a strange way. Sometimes I think, “Am I really doing this? Living and working in Japan?” Perhaps this is the reason for all the TV references. Well, whatever it is – it’s all good. Making lots of friends, acting the big sister (a role I kinda like), and generally having a great time. What will I do when I have to go home to the “real world”? Sigh!

Exactly what color IS hisui?

I should have asked myself this question before I want searching for hisui (jade) on the beach yesterday. I now have a nice collection of green rocks, when, in fact, jade in its raw form is white (at least here). HOWEVER, due to the kindness of an old Japanese grandma, I do have a few small pieces of jade from the Hisui Coast. And I am less one bookmark, as I gave it to her for her kindness. Need to start carrying Michigan trinkets in my bag for occasions like this. This outing was just one of many during my first three-day weekend in Japan. Gotta love all the national holidays here – this month was Respect for the Aged day. Rock on old fogies – thanks for the day off.
On Saturday, I traveled with 6 of my fellow JETs to Kanazawa, one of the largest cities in this neck of the woods. It still has most of it historical sites as the US spared this city during the WWII. We went to the third most famous garden in Japan and the Ninja temple (which has nothing to do with Ninja – much to the disgust of a few of my fellow travelers – the hard core Japanophiles). I thought it was a pretty cool place – trap doors, hidden stairs, hari kari room (you can get in, but you don’t come out), fake doors, etc. This place was built as a Buddhist temple – guess they were a wee bit paranoid back in the day. We ended our trip with dinner in Toyama at an awesome Japanese bar/restaurant. I need Ryan or Tiffany when I go – cause no picture menu and I can’t speak the mother tongue here – LOL. But then Ryan misunderstands English (that tricky language) and we end up with 27 pot stickers – but I digress. The real highlight was dessert. We ordered breast ice cream just to see what is was. And it turned out to be vanilla ice cream in a balloon with the top cut off so you had to suck the ice cream out of the “breast”. This turned into quite the humorous event.

Sunday was a lazy day for me. I hung out in my pjs for quite awhile. Ended up going to AEON (the best place on earth) with Tiffany and Satoshi. I don’t believe I’ve mentioned this before but Japan likes to sell stuff in vending and capsule machines (like we have were you get a yo-yo for 50cents). So while in ToysRUs, I stumbled across the mother load of capsule machines and low and behold – they had one that sold tiny Japanese stacking (nesting) dolls. In 5 colors no less!!! I am now the proud owner of 4 of those 5 colors with a few extras to send home to the kids (I did mention this is a capsule machine right?? I probably wont’ even try for the last one – but I say “probably” LOL). I was so excited to add to my collection. And then to top it off, Satoshi is a pro at the crane game and he gave me 2 of his winnings – how sweet is he??? (simmer down folks, still no china patterns please).

A "Little" Sumo Summary

I realize I haven’t talked to much about the actually teaching around here. That could be because I don’t actually do much teaching around here. On a good day, I will have three periods with one of two types of classes. 1 – 35 students looking either bored or scared or 2 – a bunch of lunatics running around, shouting out words (hey, at least its English), stealing my props and wearing them and begging me to give them one of my squished pennies. And to be completely honest – I love the lunatics – they are a lively bunch and it’s hard to not laugh during class. The only lesson I’ve done so far is my self-introduction and to be completely honest, I am tired of hearing about myself. I must admit the one spicy event related to this intro was when my ichi-nensei teacher asked me if all Americans were big (said after looking at pictures of my friends). Um……. And then he tells me with actions that the last ALT was a big girl – good lord what will this man say about me when I am gone?? But, anyway, this is a comfortable lesson and unfortunately now I have to come up with some new stuff and that scares the sushi out of me! I am trying to start a local JR High school lesson plan-sharing ring. But truth be told – I kind like being in the classroom – even though me and the kids don’t understand each other at all – it’s awesome when one smiles at me or asks me questions in the hall.

So this week I decided to walk around the school during lunchtime – and let me tell you it was pandemonium!! Kids were EVERYWHERE – in the halls, hanging out windows, on the desks, etc… And there sat the poor homeroom teachers with looks of abject boredom and “anywhere but here” looks on their faces. But the funny thing is these teachers truly love these students - and that maybe the problem – how can you discipline a kid you consider your friend? It’s so totally “un-American” it’s mind-boggling.

Today I shed a tear for the two lone fat kids in my school. Not because they are big and the teachers call them fat. But because they are in the Sumo club – hell – they ARE the sumo club. It just seemed extremely sad to me that they might be there because they are fat and not cause they want to wear a diaper and wrestle with other big kids. The one is just so cute – I want to hug him all the time.

I’ve also been hanging with the locals in Toyama – they are a lively bunch – LOL.

Excuse me while I fall off my soapbox…….

Please indulge me while I rant about some thing I don’t like doing in Japan: my laundry. I am not referring to the actually act of washing – I did that at home, I can handle that. What I don’t like is the fact that it is all cold water wash and after a trip to my tiny washing machine my clothes DO NOT smell clean. MOREOVER, despite the fact that hot water is a foreign concept, I STILL managed to have a pair of my socks bleed onto one of my new polo shirts. Even my loving ministrations in a hot shower with tons of soap couldn’t remove said stain. In addition to that, I don’t have a dryer so I have to hang all and sundry out for the neighbors to see. Then it takes 4 weeks for everything to dry and dry in the most unimaginable wrinkly mess you have ever seen – and I REFUSE to iron. I end up wearing stiff, damp, wrinkly clothes. People probably think I am a bum. If someone wants to send me some cold water Tide and a dryer – I would be extremely grateful.
On a positive note, I am now a HUGH fan of hi-tech toilets. I’d love to share why, but what happens in Japan, stays in Japan – LOL. You’ll just have to visit to understand.
Saturday I participated in that scared Japanese ritual – Sports Day. Of course, this will be covered in depth in my October newsletter. For 8 hours, in some crazy heat, I sat outside and watched the kiddies play a wide variety of games –from mild mannered relay races to beat-the-crap-out-of-your-fellow-students-with-a-rolled-up-piece-of-newspaper game. I even got to participate in the PTA event – my team lost, but I got a box of Kleenex tissues for my effort. It was blazing hot and I had the utmost sympathy for this kids who gave their all when participating in every event. Hate to say it, but Sports day would go over like a ton of bricks in the States. Imagine telling a 15 yr old boy he has to participate in the dance routine or the anti-athletic kid that he has to run a 100-meter dash in 35C weather. Hum – not so much.
Saturday night was karaoke with the JETs. Another 2 hours of all-you-can sing and drink for 20 bucks. I managed to get my moneys worth - LOL. To say it was a memorable night would be an understatement – but it was truly a night that I will never forget. I’d love to share – but the innocent need to be protected. Via La JET Program!

Lunch is Like a Box of Chocolates......

you never know what you are going to get. I’ve enjoyed the school lunch four times so far and three of those four times it’s been fish or fishy. I’ve adopted a “don’t ask, don’t gag” policy. I managed to eat my fried fish and what I assume were some type of scallop (I peeled off the slimy looking stuff), but I just could not stomach the sardines complete with tin foil looking skin and intestines hanging out. Lunches also include a soup-like dish – today I believe it was tofu surprise with scrambled eggs on top. The good news is that every now and then the lunch gods smile down on me and include a nice loaf of bread or tiny blueberry pie to mask the taste of the other stuff. But I feel I should continue purchasing school lunches because it’s the norm, I don’t want to be the “outsider”, and it makes for great stories!
Yesterday at Sugihara, while making the rounds during cleaning time, I was presented with my very own broom and advised that I could clean anywhere I wanted in the school. I suppose I could take this as a “start cleaning, slacker!!” warning – but I chose to focus on the fact that I got a present and some direction. At Yatsuo, I was praised for sweeping around the teachers room – seems past JETs have poop-pooped the cleaning ritual. I was just trying not to stand around while kids scrubbed the floor with a washcloth – didn’t seem right.
HAPPY ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY!! Hard to believe I’ve been here a month – it feels a lot longer, but in a good way. Things are starting to feel familiar, I can drive like a pro on the left side of the road, and I like my tiny apartment. I start Japanese lessons next Tuesday and I bought a tennis racquet at the Japanese Value Village so that I can play with the kids after school. I bought school supplies (I LOVE SCHOOL SUPPLIES) for my classes and have to come up with prizes for the students at some point. In a word – life is awesome. Sometimes I can’t believe I am actually living out one of my dreams. Somebody pinch me!

Summer's Here and the Time is Right.......

for dancing in the streets. This weekend was the Owara Kaze no Bon festival in Yatsuo. My normally peaceful quiet town turned into the State Fair. There were people EVERYWHERE. And you don’t mess with Japanese tour groups – you either get out of the way or get run over. It was exactly like an American festival - street vendors selling plastic swords, blow up toys, and light up trinkets. Food vendors selling donuts and snow cones and octopus balls (ah yes, this is JAPAN). I had three people spend the night - my first sleepover in my first apartment - yet another milestone - LOL. This event will be covered in depth in the November newsletter. Now onto an even better story.......
Today I discovered the real reason I was destined to come to Japan and more importantly, it seems, the Toyama region. In an attempt to avoid the stench of hundreds of disgusting portajohns (squat ones no less) wafting around town, I decided to head for that all American institution – the mall! After 90 minutes of exploring the Toyama region (I wasn’t lost – I was enjoying the countryside) I arrived at AEON – the mega mall in Takaoka. It was like coming home. It even smelled like an American mall. It had the Body Shop, Toys R Us, 31 flavors, Starbucks – “sigh”. It was two floors of heaven. One of the shops, the artsy, Indian, incense burning store (we have those) was selling my yellow Peruvian table cloth that I bought in Peru for 5 bucks for 4ooo yen ($35). It’s at times like these that I think maybe I should go into business selling souvenirs to unsuspecting people. But I digress…… So, I ventured into the “exciting bookstore”, the Village Vanguard, and while purusing the extremely eclectic selection – I saw it – the reason I flew 6500 miles around the world – my Easter Island tissue box!!!!! For those of you who don’t know, this was on the top of my 2005 xmas list – but Target was out of stock and no one else had it – so no luck. And there it was – a huge pile with three different colors (including a glow-in-the-dark one).

EUREKA!!! It suddenly all made sense to me – this is why I am here. I was singing on the inside as I paid for my purchase – LOL. Also, for those of you who are interested, this store sells the famed Fuji breast squeeze balls, so let me know if you’d like one.
I’ve decided a monthly trip to AEON will be good for my soul.

Joy to the World!!

I have discovered that I can get all my favorite trashy romances novels and Uncle John's Bathroom readers via Amazon.co.jp!!!! How excited am I????? And I can pay for them at the conbini (aka the convenience store). How cool is Japan? Don’t rush out and buy me gift certificates though – it isn’t THAT cool – can’t use them with Japan Amazon.
Today I decided to clean my apartment. The dust bunnies were starting to multiple – horny little buggers. I have THE cutest little vacuum. It didn’t have much sucking power though. Which I later discovered was a result of there being 2 years worth of dust and other nastiness in the vacuum bag. Now I could have just thrown the one in there away and replaced it with a new one – but I could not even imagine the drama of trying to find new bags at the store – so I cleaned out the old one and reused it. Now the light on my little ‘cuum is green and it’s all systems go! That is one good thing about a small place – takes like 2 minutes to clean!!
So in other news – it seems the JET program is a bit like the “Love Boat”. A few of my fellow JETs have already hooked up. And I am very happy for two of them cause they are freaking cute together!! I feel a bit like Gopher – LOL.
Okay, I am off to chat with the freak-of-nature that keeps IMing me on Yahoo about his homosexual sex life. People – is there something wrong with the fact that I talk to this guy more then most of the folks back home?? I guess “any port in a storm” as the Bubster would say – LOL.
Off to party at the Owara Bon Festival later tonight! Octopus balls – whooo hoooo!

Welcome Back, Kotter!

Okay - if you don't know that 70s TV show - the following will not be as funny - so here goes. Today I had three (count them three) classes. They were all 2nd year with S-san (nice guy). I had to do the same thing in each class - my self introduction with an accompanying fill-in-the-blank worksheet. There were about 35 kids in each class and the participation level is approximately the same – blank stares. But it’s the first class I had that inspires the title of this post. They were, by far, the most unruly. There was one kid in the back playing with an exacto knife and shouting out random English words (Vinnie Barbarino, anyone?). One of the girls fell asleep and it was quite entertaining when the teacher woke her up – she was like – “what, where am I?” in Japanese of course! I had to try soooo hard not to laugh during this class. I would say a good 60% of the kids were off in the ozone, doing their own thing, or chatting with friends. One kid had all his pens knotted in the curtains. But they are still so dang cute!!! I just kept thinking if this was my 8th grade class – the nuns would be having a field day knocking kids upside the head with rulers!!! But here - this is just the norm.
On a different note, I made the caretaker very very happy by using her name today (I like her cause she gets me fried chicken bento boxes) as indicated by the nice note on my bento box. She also rescued me from potential future embarrassment by pointing out I’d been using the “cooks only” sink in the bathroom – no wonder they had paper towels!!!! The regular schomes have to use their pants or personal hand towel.
Well – I am off to bake in the sun while I watch sports day practice. I did this yesterday, as well, after I gave my welcome speach to the 360 Yatuso students - outside with a megaphone - LISTEN TO ME SLAUGHTER JAPANESE WITH FEEDBACK. But I did get a few compliments from some of the teachers - must be because I wrote the thing out phonetically this time (shirigamasu = sherayguymasue) - LOL.