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.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
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!
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!
Monday, December 25, 2006
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!!!!
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!!!!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
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
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
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
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!!
Monday, December 18, 2006
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!!!
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!!!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
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?
On a positive note, I may have a white Christmas! Wonder how snow days work around here?
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Thursday, December 07, 2006
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!!!
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!!!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
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
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
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
So the question of the day is "What do YOU play?" LOL
Monday, December 04, 2006
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.
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.
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.
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