Today was another exiting day in the neighborhood:
No classes at school – did get to grade some papers though – one fantastic story about gold and silver bicycles. My kids continually amaze me.
Extremely disappointed to discover that the exchange rate for the English pound is $1 = .50 pounds. Which means the yen is even worse!! Looks like I really need to save my yennies for the July vacation. Dear President Bush – please fix the exchange rate ASAP.
Lovely nap. Was awakened by my landlady bearing gifts. She gave me something that looks speciously like edible tree bark. But a gift’s a gift!
English chat was a hoot as always. Decided to introduce icebreakers into the mix and they went over very well. Except for the “If you were a pirate, what would your name be?” question. Also took some candy with me to sweeten up the chat. I now have two more bookstore gift certificates to add to my collection. Oh what I wouldn’t give for a smutty english romance novel at the Japanese bookstore!!! Also got an origami book and some cool paper from one of the chat ladies – whoo hoo.
One of my new friends from English chat has decided to make a movie and I’ve been asked to participate. In addition to a minor role, he wants me to teach some guy English in exchange for him teaching me to play the violin or something. I told him that was a bad idea. I wasn’t sure “what” type of movie he was going for, but after today, I am sure it’s not a porno. I’ve been tasked to send him some headshots so that he can morph them onto a picture of the Virgin Mary. I was like “WHAT?” Apparently, this is just for a costume perspective – not a religious epic. This guy seems to be pretty serious, so we’ll see what happens. Further details as this unfolds.
So - If you were a pirate, what would your name be?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Would you like some tea with that sugar?
Yikes, I’ve taken to drinking tea to stay awake at school and I ate a whole piece of fish the other day! Guess this place is growing on me :P Well, not really, cause I still think tea tastes like nature’s boiled ruffage and it is only saved by copious amounts of sugar. And you know my thoughts on most fish. However, be it real or imaginary – tea seems to do the trick in perking me up on days when I have no classes to break the monotony. The internet is on the fritz at school today – so I don’t even have that distraction. (It is fun watching them try to figure out the snafu.) So I am trying to be a good girl and work on my Japanese flash cards (yawn!).
日本語 は むずかしい
I know I’ve only been here 6 months and am probably still in the honeymoon phase, but I really like it here. I was walking to the konbini for a snack the other day and it’s hard to describe – but I just feel at peace around here. Could be cause the weather is on the fritz too and we’ve got beautiful late fall days rather then snow right now. Give me 5 feet of snow and I am sure I’ll be like “fook this place! I am out of here.” This feeling of contentment does give me pause for how I’ll be once I have to leave – but that is 18 months away!
I’ve recently come to the conclusion that my brain is directly wired to my ass. If I sit to long – my brain gets numb/starts to hurt/stops working and my motivation to do that which I am supposed to do dies. I can support this theory by my 6 months here and several years research at the BAC. Therefore, I am thinking I should look into a profession that requires me to be moving – teaching perhaps (real teaching, not part-part time English demonstrations).
Well time to massage my a.. um brain – think I’ll go for a walk.
Dear reader, What’s up in your world??
Post Script:
Liver for lunch - yuck! I tried to eat it, but after the first piece and the taste all I could think of was Hanibal Lecter and a bottle of chantti. Damn the mind!
日本語 は むずかしい
I know I’ve only been here 6 months and am probably still in the honeymoon phase, but I really like it here. I was walking to the konbini for a snack the other day and it’s hard to describe – but I just feel at peace around here. Could be cause the weather is on the fritz too and we’ve got beautiful late fall days rather then snow right now. Give me 5 feet of snow and I am sure I’ll be like “fook this place! I am out of here.” This feeling of contentment does give me pause for how I’ll be once I have to leave – but that is 18 months away!
I’ve recently come to the conclusion that my brain is directly wired to my ass. If I sit to long – my brain gets numb/starts to hurt/stops working and my motivation to do that which I am supposed to do dies. I can support this theory by my 6 months here and several years research at the BAC. Therefore, I am thinking I should look into a profession that requires me to be moving – teaching perhaps (real teaching, not part-part time English demonstrations).
Well time to massage my a.. um brain – think I’ll go for a walk.
Dear reader, What’s up in your world??
Post Script:
Liver for lunch - yuck! I tried to eat it, but after the first piece and the taste all I could think of was Hanibal Lecter and a bottle of chantti. Damn the mind!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Sock Puppets
Today is a productive day for me at school. I am sitting at my desk making sock puppets (yikes more Mr. Roger's comparisons)! I am going to use them with my ni- and san-nensei to spice up the lessons were conversation is the main focus. Anyhoo, while working on my puppets, I was testing one out and one of the cool teachers who speaks English comes up to me and asks if these puppets are my friends. To which I replied, “Well, I need someone to talk with who speaks English.” Teehee!
I've decided that I need to expose myself to the kids more (and not by my usually flash 'em and run method). So, I've started eating lunch with them in their homeroom. It's pretty painless, I usually just sit there, eat, smile and wave, make kids giggle by looking at them, etc... The only drawback is on fishy fish days - but I am working on a stelthy removal plan. But today I had lunch with my ni-nensei and the group I sat with was pretty cool. Two of the boys have a pretty good grasp of the basic English we teach here and asked some good questions. The one then translated my answers for his friends. I'm gonna make a serious effort to try and remember these two kids names (cause I SUCK at the name game here). I also had one girl come up and make small talk. This really suprised me, cause of all my students, I hardly ever see the Yatsuo ni-nensei. I now realize that I need to get off my duff more and make myself available to the 3 or 4 kids who really do want to speak English. Guess that means I'll have to loiter in the cold hallway more.
Random thoughts:
I love grilled cheese from the toaster oven – need to buy toaster oven when I get home to America.
Get ass out of bed earlier – to many narrow escapes in the last two weeks.
Remember that EVERYONE is watching you – as evidenced by broken conversation about what I was eating in my car on the way to work today (no, it was NOT a hamburger, it was a yummy grilled cheese – see above.)
Socks from the 100yen store are awesome – must buy more! (for my feet, not to make more puppets)
I've decided that I need to expose myself to the kids more (and not by my usually flash 'em and run method). So, I've started eating lunch with them in their homeroom. It's pretty painless, I usually just sit there, eat, smile and wave, make kids giggle by looking at them, etc... The only drawback is on fishy fish days - but I am working on a stelthy removal plan. But today I had lunch with my ni-nensei and the group I sat with was pretty cool. Two of the boys have a pretty good grasp of the basic English we teach here and asked some good questions. The one then translated my answers for his friends. I'm gonna make a serious effort to try and remember these two kids names (cause I SUCK at the name game here). I also had one girl come up and make small talk. This really suprised me, cause of all my students, I hardly ever see the Yatsuo ni-nensei. I now realize that I need to get off my duff more and make myself available to the 3 or 4 kids who really do want to speak English. Guess that means I'll have to loiter in the cold hallway more.
Random thoughts:
I love grilled cheese from the toaster oven – need to buy toaster oven when I get home to America.
Get ass out of bed earlier – to many narrow escapes in the last two weeks.
Remember that EVERYONE is watching you – as evidenced by broken conversation about what I was eating in my car on the way to work today (no, it was NOT a hamburger, it was a yummy grilled cheese – see above.)
Socks from the 100yen store are awesome – must buy more! (for my feet, not to make more puppets)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Won’t you be my neighbor?
On the way into school today, I had the odd thought that I am a bit like Mr. Rogers. Let me explain. I come into school, I take off my outdoor shoes and put on my “school” shoes, then I take off my coat and put on my sweater and head to my desk, where my lap blanket awaits. Then I hop on my toy train and head into the fantastical world of Japanese junior high school children and I “try” to teach them something.
Perhaps this odd reference is just an after effect of the shochu I sampled last night at the Japanese-American Society New Years Party. I hate to admit this but it seems I haven’t met a free drink in Japan I’d turn down – LOL. For those of you heading to the “Danielle is turning into an alchie in Japan” lecture, please note – I only drink when it’s pay once, drink for 2 hours – hehe – other then that I am too cheap to drink. And Mom, shochu is reportedly supposed to prevent diabetes! Despite references in this blog – nomihodi is NOT that frequent of an occurrence (it just coincides with other fun stuff). Since the only thing close to a nomihodi event in America is a wedding, I should be safe once I depart Japan. Until then, via la nomihodi!
As for the party, it was at a really nice bar in the ANA hotel. There was some yummy food – my favorite being the McShrimp (shrimp coated in what tasted suspiciously like Big Mac sauce – except much taster!). We played a true/false game with Japanese/English phrases, and thru some cunning observation and help from friends, I made it to the last three contestants. I didn’t win – but I felt pretty good!!! There was also some musical entertainment and I got up with the lady from my table and did the Owara dance! I need to practice my Owara – but it was fun. I’ll be back next year!
Okay, gotta go grade some papers now!
Perhaps this odd reference is just an after effect of the shochu I sampled last night at the Japanese-American Society New Years Party. I hate to admit this but it seems I haven’t met a free drink in Japan I’d turn down – LOL. For those of you heading to the “Danielle is turning into an alchie in Japan” lecture, please note – I only drink when it’s pay once, drink for 2 hours – hehe – other then that I am too cheap to drink. And Mom, shochu is reportedly supposed to prevent diabetes! Despite references in this blog – nomihodi is NOT that frequent of an occurrence (it just coincides with other fun stuff). Since the only thing close to a nomihodi event in America is a wedding, I should be safe once I depart Japan. Until then, via la nomihodi!
As for the party, it was at a really nice bar in the ANA hotel. There was some yummy food – my favorite being the McShrimp (shrimp coated in what tasted suspiciously like Big Mac sauce – except much taster!). We played a true/false game with Japanese/English phrases, and thru some cunning observation and help from friends, I made it to the last three contestants. I didn’t win – but I felt pretty good!!! There was also some musical entertainment and I got up with the lady from my table and did the Owara dance! I need to practice my Owara – but it was fun. I’ll be back next year!
Okay, gotta go grade some papers now!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Music, Music, Music
The hills (of Yatsuo) are alive with the sound of music, ahahahahah. This really is a musical place. The city has chimes at 5am, noon, and 5pm (one of which is Edelweiss) and the grocery store plays "Auld Lang sine" at closing time. These tend to disturb my partner in crime, Tiffany, but to me they only reinforce the power of music.
Last night I was listening to my iPod before bed and a song came on that always brings a smile to my face and reminds me of my dad. That got me thinking about how powerful music is and how we use music as tags for people or memories in our lives. So here is a brief list of songs I associate with people for one reason or another (don’t feel slighted if you didn’t make the list – these are just songs I’ve heard recently):
Mom – Crazy by Patsy Cline (and not cause she’s crazy)
Dad - (You don't have to call me) Darling by David Allen Coe
Rob & Sara – After All by Cher
Morgan & Corey – Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul and Mary
Jessica - 99 Luftballons by Nena
Tiffany – Downtown by Petula Clark
Dawn – well, anything by ONJ of course!
Numerous bumps in the road - Get Over It by The Eagles
So what song makes you think of me???
In other musical news, I auditioned for the JET charity show yesterday. Jess, I am one-step up from a tree, and only you will appreciate this, I am a PIRATE. This is probably a good thing as my Japanese speaking ability and my singing ability are about on par with each other – both shite! But that doesn’t mean my “id” didn’t think I could have been a kick ass Wendy or Peter (both parts were perfectly cast, mind you). The “id” is that part of your psyche that causes those really crappy American Idol contestants to say “Simon, you don’t know what you talkin’ ‘bout. I'm going to be a STAR one day. I didn’t make your ears bleed – that was Paula hitting you.”
Tiffany got a part added for her – so I am equal parts ecstatic (cause she’s gonna ROCK) and envious (cause the “id” is a jealous beast). I am going to enjoy her take on Tigerlily – I sense she’ll be a spunky Indian princess. Ohh, what shall my pirate name be?
Post Script:
Possibly the best school lunch EVER today. Japanese curry, rice, veggies in sesame dressing and strawberries. Plus, I got seconds on the curry! OH HAPPY DAY!
Last night I was listening to my iPod before bed and a song came on that always brings a smile to my face and reminds me of my dad. That got me thinking about how powerful music is and how we use music as tags for people or memories in our lives. So here is a brief list of songs I associate with people for one reason or another (don’t feel slighted if you didn’t make the list – these are just songs I’ve heard recently):
Mom – Crazy by Patsy Cline (and not cause she’s crazy)
Dad - (You don't have to call me) Darling by David Allen Coe
Rob & Sara – After All by Cher
Morgan & Corey – Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul and Mary
Jessica - 99 Luftballons by Nena
Tiffany – Downtown by Petula Clark
Dawn – well, anything by ONJ of course!
Numerous bumps in the road - Get Over It by The Eagles
So what song makes you think of me???
In other musical news, I auditioned for the JET charity show yesterday. Jess, I am one-step up from a tree, and only you will appreciate this, I am a PIRATE. This is probably a good thing as my Japanese speaking ability and my singing ability are about on par with each other – both shite! But that doesn’t mean my “id” didn’t think I could have been a kick ass Wendy or Peter (both parts were perfectly cast, mind you). The “id” is that part of your psyche that causes those really crappy American Idol contestants to say “Simon, you don’t know what you talkin’ ‘bout. I'm going to be a STAR one day. I didn’t make your ears bleed – that was Paula hitting you.”
Tiffany got a part added for her – so I am equal parts ecstatic (cause she’s gonna ROCK) and envious (cause the “id” is a jealous beast). I am going to enjoy her take on Tigerlily – I sense she’ll be a spunky Indian princess. Ohh, what shall my pirate name be?
Post Script:
Possibly the best school lunch EVER today. Japanese curry, rice, veggies in sesame dressing and strawberries. Plus, I got seconds on the curry! OH HAPPY DAY!
Friday, January 19, 2007
Funky Friday
Dad, you can skip reading this one.
Woke up in a funk this morning with the intent of writing a very grumpy post. However, I was able to vent to a good friend instead so you are spared the rantings of me. I will say this, I hope I am not getting grumpier in my old age - cause truth be told - I am starting to annoy myself with some of my "moods" (be they a result of external forces or internal workings). Maybe all the silence I live in is starting to get to me - ahhhhhh :-). Too much time to think. Or maybe too much time with other humans (if that is possible) is the cause. I am defiantly more social here than I was at home. Maybe this is just making me more "aware" of my faults. And, of course, I want to be perfect (typed with tounge in check) - so I don't want more faults.
BAH - whatever it is, I am sure it's nothing a nightcap and a nap couldn't solve.
Off to my second Japanese dentist appointment today - not so worried this time.
I'll leave you with some tounge twisters to try after your next nightcap:
Which wristwatches are Swiss wristwatches?
Lesser leather never weathered wetter weather better.
Six sticky sucker sticks.
And my favorite:
Just think, that sphinx has a sphincter that stinks!
Woke up in a funk this morning with the intent of writing a very grumpy post. However, I was able to vent to a good friend instead so you are spared the rantings of me. I will say this, I hope I am not getting grumpier in my old age - cause truth be told - I am starting to annoy myself with some of my "moods" (be they a result of external forces or internal workings). Maybe all the silence I live in is starting to get to me - ahhhhhh :-). Too much time to think. Or maybe too much time with other humans (if that is possible) is the cause. I am defiantly more social here than I was at home. Maybe this is just making me more "aware" of my faults. And, of course, I want to be perfect (typed with tounge in check) - so I don't want more faults.
BAH - whatever it is, I am sure it's nothing a nightcap and a nap couldn't solve.
Off to my second Japanese dentist appointment today - not so worried this time.
I'll leave you with some tounge twisters to try after your next nightcap:
Which wristwatches are Swiss wristwatches?
Lesser leather never weathered wetter weather better.
Six sticky sucker sticks.
And my favorite:
Just think, that sphinx has a sphincter that stinks!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Out of the mouth of babes
Had to share this one - because it had me cracking up. Last night I had a web cam chat with my 3 year old god-daughter in Scotland. To be honest, it was one of our best chats to date. Rather then the usual hi/bye while I am talking with her mom, we had a nice chat. It was at one point during this converstion that she turned to her mom and said:
"Mommy, Nasa Dani doesn't have a friend. Nasa Dani is going to get sick, because she doesn't have a husband."
I LOVE IT!!! Of course her mom explained it probably wouldn't happen - but who knows!!!
I love when kids, in their infinate wisdom, say things or give you advise . There have been numerous times over the last nine years where C & M have told me similar things. I can only hope I wrote them down in a journal some where. Lord only know what might come out of my own child's mouth (assuming I ever find that husband).
"Mommy, Nasa Dani doesn't have a friend. Nasa Dani is going to get sick, because she doesn't have a husband."
I LOVE IT!!! Of course her mom explained it probably wouldn't happen - but who knows!!!
I love when kids, in their infinate wisdom, say things or give you advise . There have been numerous times over the last nine years where C & M have told me similar things. I can only hope I wrote them down in a journal some where. Lord only know what might come out of my own child's mouth (assuming I ever find that husband).
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Hump Day Ramblings
Well, after reading some other blogs on blogger, I am inspired to write. Not that I have anything earth shattering to share. I've been writing a "week in the life" blog to post next week and to be completely honest - it's boring as hell :P. So we'll see if that makes it past the draft phase. This morning I chatted with JB for a good two hours - and she shared some of her writing with me to read - I haven't yet - but I felt quite honored!! In an odd way, our friendship has defiantly grown as a result of our distance. It’s pretty awesome. Really looking forward to a visit this summer, the new HP movie and numerous servings of Mueller rice! Oh and the kids, of course!
After five months, I've discovered that I CAN print to the Yatsuo network printer. This makes my life much easier. As I have no classes today, and Morita asked for a lesson plan, I went all crazy and wrote an "actual" lesson plan with times and everything (mainly cause I already had all the pieces in place). This resulted in her saying I was a "great ALT". Ah, I wish that were true - hehe. As with other jobs in the past, not much effort is necessary to make ones self look good :p. I am so living a lie - bahahahahah. Since I could now print from my desk and I was basking in praise, I was inspired to write a few more lesson plans to accompany my plethora of worksheets. I am sure my successor will chuck it all in the trash after I am gone.
Got a new cushion for my chair at work. I now have a happier hinny. Oh speaking of butts….. I let a hemorrhoid of humanity get to me today!!!! And the truth of the matter is I am more pissed at myself for letting said hemorrhoid bug me than anything else!! The urge to drench that ‘rhoid in some preparation H of retribution was STRONG. But, if I’ve learned nothing else in the last 30 years, it’s that sinking to other people’s levels is never as satisfying as it seems in the moment. So I’ll just beeotch here and let it go. And know that in the world of cosmic justice we live in, said ‘rhoid will get theirs in the end (evil laugh………). I feel better already!
I've taken to using my bottle of Magic Shell chocolate sauce as a temperature gage. If it has solidified, my apartment is too cold! If it’s ready to be pored on my ice cream and harden into chocolate yumminess, things are all good.
This Sunday, I am going to audition for a part in JET Summer charity show. Um, did I mention it’s a musical (Ah, folks, I can picture you cringing already). It’s Peter Pan, so I figure I can be a pirate or lost boy or something and confine my singing to the chorus.
“Hi diddlely dee, it’s a pirate’s life for me”. Wish me luck!
After five months, I've discovered that I CAN print to the Yatsuo network printer. This makes my life much easier. As I have no classes today, and Morita asked for a lesson plan, I went all crazy and wrote an "actual" lesson plan with times and everything (mainly cause I already had all the pieces in place). This resulted in her saying I was a "great ALT". Ah, I wish that were true - hehe. As with other jobs in the past, not much effort is necessary to make ones self look good :p. I am so living a lie - bahahahahah. Since I could now print from my desk and I was basking in praise, I was inspired to write a few more lesson plans to accompany my plethora of worksheets. I am sure my successor will chuck it all in the trash after I am gone.
Got a new cushion for my chair at work. I now have a happier hinny. Oh speaking of butts….. I let a hemorrhoid of humanity get to me today!!!! And the truth of the matter is I am more pissed at myself for letting said hemorrhoid bug me than anything else!! The urge to drench that ‘rhoid in some preparation H of retribution was STRONG. But, if I’ve learned nothing else in the last 30 years, it’s that sinking to other people’s levels is never as satisfying as it seems in the moment. So I’ll just beeotch here and let it go. And know that in the world of cosmic justice we live in, said ‘rhoid will get theirs in the end (evil laugh………). I feel better already!
I've taken to using my bottle of Magic Shell chocolate sauce as a temperature gage. If it has solidified, my apartment is too cold! If it’s ready to be pored on my ice cream and harden into chocolate yumminess, things are all good.
This Sunday, I am going to audition for a part in JET Summer charity show. Um, did I mention it’s a musical (Ah, folks, I can picture you cringing already). It’s Peter Pan, so I figure I can be a pirate or lost boy or something and confine my singing to the chorus.
“Hi diddlely dee, it’s a pirate’s life for me”. Wish me luck!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
What's worse then fear? ANTICIPATION!
Well, as expected (in the rational part of my mind) the dentist was okay. Actually, it was so much like a dentist at home that I got a wee bit homesick with staring at the ceiling tiles in my dentist chair. I have to say I have the BEST supervisor in Toyama. Ms. Morita stayed with me the entire time and acted as my translator. We both agreed that the dentist is a nerve-racking place; especially when you hear some girl FREAKING out a few cubes down! I only had one moment of panic. After being told the chipped tooth had a cavity under the filling and would need to be replaced, the doctor indicated I should lay back.
Here’s what transpired:
Doctor: something in Japanese
Me: are they going to start now?
Morita: Yes
Me: Drilling?
Morita: Yes
Me: are they going to numb my gum?
Morita: blank stare
Me: Medicine?
Morita: do you need medicine? Do you have your insurance card?
Me: NOOOO, are they going to numb my gum, give me medicine, a shot?? (frantic gestures of giving a shot in my gum)
Morita: Ahh, of course.
Me: Okay – proceed! (Thank god)
So they did their thing, took some molds of my teeth, took a bite impression, drilled some more, coated my tooth with what tasted like nail glue and filled it with something. Now I need to go back next Friday for whatever they are creating to permanently stick in my tooth – could be a cap – could be an interesting filling. Overall, a painless and hassle free solution! Thanks in most part to my awesome supervisor!
Here’s what transpired:
Doctor: something in Japanese
Me: are they going to start now?
Morita: Yes
Me: Drilling?
Morita: Yes
Me: are they going to numb my gum?
Morita: blank stare
Me: Medicine?
Morita: do you need medicine? Do you have your insurance card?
Me: NOOOO, are they going to numb my gum, give me medicine, a shot?? (frantic gestures of giving a shot in my gum)
Morita: Ahh, of course.
Me: Okay – proceed! (Thank god)
So they did their thing, took some molds of my teeth, took a bite impression, drilled some more, coated my tooth with what tasted like nail glue and filled it with something. Now I need to go back next Friday for whatever they are creating to permanently stick in my tooth – could be a cap – could be an interesting filling. Overall, a painless and hassle free solution! Thanks in most part to my awesome supervisor!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
What was I thinking???
Damn the japanese efficency! As previously mentioned in a post - one of my teeth chipped and I was worried about the filling falling out. So before I left for the holiday, I asked Morita-sensei about her dentist and mentioned I might need one in the future. Well she rememberend and now I have a dentist appointment for this Friday and I am freakin’ PETRIFIED!!! I don’t like dentists on a normal basis and going to one in a foreign country is an even more fear-inducing prospect. There is physical dread coursing thru my body right now. The fact that a lot of people around here do not have what I would classify as “healthy” teeth is only feeding my irrational fears. My tooth has been chipped for 2 weeks and nothing has happened (other then my psychosomatic toothaches) – maybe I don’t really need to see the dentist??
What should I do?????
What should I do?????
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
The Incredible Shrinking Me
Well, not really! But today I put on a blazer that I had mom send me from home (cause it really is colder the hell here) and it fit!! Of course, it fit before I left, but there was concern that the “ladies” might pop a button off in the wrong situation. Now, however, I can button the jacket and there is room to breath!!!!
I’ve never really been that concerned with my weight or figure – I am what I am – an overweight big-boned lady of German/Swedish stock. But I will say, it was a nice feeling this morning!! When the doctor told me I’d lost a kilo (2.2lbs), my initial thought was there had to be a pissed off drug dealer somewhere – LOL! Guess all these “delicious” school lunches are good for something. Of course, with all the Butterfingers and Christmas cookies I received and my very “American” diet of McDonalds, Subway, Dominos Pizza, Hard Rock Café and TGIFriday while Joanne was here – I’ve probably made that drug dealer a happy man (found his kilo plus some I am sure).
Now I just need to convert this euphoric feeling into some real motivation and get my fat arse to the gym!!!
Speaking of food from home, I think that I can honestly say that this was the best “presents” Christmas I’ve every had. There was nothing special about the gifts I received from home – shirts, underwear, socks, aspirin – the normal stuff and the amount was on par with Christmas’s past. But I have never been sooo excited to open toothpaste, deodorant and dryer sheets in my life! I even got my own Christmas stocking from the kids (conveniently, a real pair of socks I can use on my frozen feet). Being away from home sure puts things into perspective!! So thanks Mom & Dad and everyone else who sent me reminders from home! I loved everything! Even the “Hello Kitty” fruit snacks, Fran! Cause there just isn’t enough Hello Kitty in Japan – hehehe!!!!
I’ve never really been that concerned with my weight or figure – I am what I am – an overweight big-boned lady of German/Swedish stock. But I will say, it was a nice feeling this morning!! When the doctor told me I’d lost a kilo (2.2lbs), my initial thought was there had to be a pissed off drug dealer somewhere – LOL! Guess all these “delicious” school lunches are good for something. Of course, with all the Butterfingers and Christmas cookies I received and my very “American” diet of McDonalds, Subway, Dominos Pizza, Hard Rock Café and TGIFriday while Joanne was here – I’ve probably made that drug dealer a happy man (found his kilo plus some I am sure).
Now I just need to convert this euphoric feeling into some real motivation and get my fat arse to the gym!!!
Speaking of food from home, I think that I can honestly say that this was the best “presents” Christmas I’ve every had. There was nothing special about the gifts I received from home – shirts, underwear, socks, aspirin – the normal stuff and the amount was on par with Christmas’s past. But I have never been sooo excited to open toothpaste, deodorant and dryer sheets in my life! I even got my own Christmas stocking from the kids (conveniently, a real pair of socks I can use on my frozen feet). Being away from home sure puts things into perspective!! So thanks Mom & Dad and everyone else who sent me reminders from home! I loved everything! Even the “Hello Kitty” fruit snacks, Fran! Cause there just isn’t enough Hello Kitty in Japan – hehehe!!!!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Fastpass? We've got something better!
Ah, being a gaijin in Japan is sometimes fun, sometimes difficult, but always an adventure. I am continually provided with some story for the grandkids (or this blog).
On New Year's Day, Joanne, Mallorie and I headed to Tokyo DisneySea for 8 hours of fun with Mickey and the gang. Everything else was closed, so this seemed our best bet. Not being the world's biggest Disney fan, I will say that Tokyo DisneySea is a pretty cool place (so if you’re ever in the neighborhood......). It has about 5 rides that I would classify as "appropriate for people over the age of 3". With the scarcity of rides, the wait is pretty long (2.5 hours for Tower of Terror). Disney has the "fastpass" system - get a ticket for a ride for a designated time and then come back when it's your turn. It's a pretty sweet system and we took advantage of it for the Indian Jones ride. Since we had time to kill, we headed to the "Raging Spirits" ride - a roller coaster in the Lost River Delta. Joanne suggested we ride as single riders because this would cut out wait time. So we headed toward that line and were greeted by one of the cast members (who I shall call "Bob"). Joanne explained what we wanted to do and after some consideration, "Bob" asked us to wait. Then another cast member came over and explained that the rides at Tokyo Disney are made to fit the Japanese, not Americans, and that Joanne would need to pass the "test" to see if she could ride and if she did, we'd be whisked immediately to the front of the line. Since this was a roller coaster with a 360 flip, the seat harness was an over the head/shoulder model. We were then escorted into the bowels of the ride where the extremely kind cast member had Jo sit in the seat and measured to see if she fit. Good news for all - she did (although her ladies may never be the same again) and we followed "Bob" to the front of the line. We got to sit in the front car and “Bob” didn’t leave until he was sure we were okay. So with our “breastpass” the total wait time for Raging Spirits was 15 mins! Good thing too, cause it was a pretty lame ride!! But we laughed the whole time about our good fortune! And “Bob” was waiting there for us at the end to escort us out!
Tokyo Disney gets a double gold star for customer service!!!!
On New Year's Day, Joanne, Mallorie and I headed to Tokyo DisneySea for 8 hours of fun with Mickey and the gang. Everything else was closed, so this seemed our best bet. Not being the world's biggest Disney fan, I will say that Tokyo DisneySea is a pretty cool place (so if you’re ever in the neighborhood......). It has about 5 rides that I would classify as "appropriate for people over the age of 3". With the scarcity of rides, the wait is pretty long (2.5 hours for Tower of Terror). Disney has the "fastpass" system - get a ticket for a ride for a designated time and then come back when it's your turn. It's a pretty sweet system and we took advantage of it for the Indian Jones ride. Since we had time to kill, we headed to the "Raging Spirits" ride - a roller coaster in the Lost River Delta. Joanne suggested we ride as single riders because this would cut out wait time. So we headed toward that line and were greeted by one of the cast members (who I shall call "Bob"). Joanne explained what we wanted to do and after some consideration, "Bob" asked us to wait. Then another cast member came over and explained that the rides at Tokyo Disney are made to fit the Japanese, not Americans, and that Joanne would need to pass the "test" to see if she could ride and if she did, we'd be whisked immediately to the front of the line. Since this was a roller coaster with a 360 flip, the seat harness was an over the head/shoulder model. We were then escorted into the bowels of the ride where the extremely kind cast member had Jo sit in the seat and measured to see if she fit. Good news for all - she did (although her ladies may never be the same again) and we followed "Bob" to the front of the line. We got to sit in the front car and “Bob” didn’t leave until he was sure we were okay. So with our “breastpass” the total wait time for Raging Spirits was 15 mins! Good thing too, cause it was a pretty lame ride!! But we laughed the whole time about our good fortune! And “Bob” was waiting there for us at the end to escort us out!
Tokyo Disney gets a double gold star for customer service!!!!
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