It's Saturday night and T and I are hanging at a local place with some of my students, my boss, and a friend of his from France. We're chatting about our past travel experiences, and Monsieur Francophone tells us a story about a misadventure that ended up being one of the best experiences of his trip. We all agree that it's often the unplanned adventures that end up being the most rewarding ones.
11:00 comes and it's time for us to catch the last train home. We get to the station with 5 minutes to spare and hurry to catch the train leaving at 11, but in our drunken haste, neglect to check the kanji to make sure we have the right platform. I mean, how many trains can be leaving at the exact same time, right?
In our current state of inebriation, we begin to have a heated discussion about some trivial thing, and do not notice the stops go by. About a half an hour passes, and I suddenly realise that the stop we've just passed is not one of the 11 or 12 stops I pass twice a day going back and forth to work. Panic sets in.
I spy another foreigner sitting across the way, who has not doubt been overhearing our ridiculous conversation since leaving the station. Embarrassed, but understanding the dire nature of our situation, I go to her for help.
"Excuse Me?" I begin timidly "Can you tell me where this train is headed?". She mentions a place I have never heard of, but tell me we have just passed Niitsu, a place I do recognize as being in the opposite direction of home but also being a place which we can reach home from. I thank her for her help and we leap out at the next stop. Another helpful passer-by informs us that we can get the train back to Niitsu on the other side of the platform, but it's coming in a few minutes and we hardly have time. With superhuman skills, fueled by tequila and shochu, we hop across the tracks and climb up the other side, to receive a scolding from the station master, but with plenty of time to make it to safety, and to what is apparently the last train of the night to Niitsu.
We arrive in Niitsu and find out that there are no trains heading home tonight. Dejected, we head outside to ponder our next move. Not seeing any hotels nearby, we briefly consider the benches outside the station or the karaoke place up the street and wonder what the hell to do. As luck would have it, we are about to be rescued by a very unlikely bunch of heroes.
As we sit in front of the conveni contemplating our fate, up saunter a group of Yankee Boys. "What is a Yankee Boy?", you're probably asking yourself. Yankee Boys are an interesting bunch of characters in Japan, but generally sort of crazy haired, crazy outfitted, punk-like wild boys. They're the young guys you'd see hanging around just generally making noise and checking their hair in the shop windows. Unlikely heroes indeed.
They ask us what we are doing, where we're from, and the usual pleasantries. One of them, seeing my obviously impaired and distressed state offers me his cup noodles, and when I decline, absolutely insists I eat them and will not take them back with any amount of insistence on my part. He may just have saved me from a hangover worse than death with his kind gesture.
After much begging of taxi drivers and some discussion later, we learn that a taxi home is not to be had for the 80 dollars in our pockets, however the Boys have a better idea. They pile up into a taxi, pay the driver 2000 yen (or about 20 bucks) for our safe passage, and send us off to a love hotel. We are so astounded by their generosity and try to give them their money back but they are insistent on helping out the 2 stranded foreigners in need of assistance. We wave goodbye and the taxi takes us off into the night and the unknown.
Next stop, the love motel.
For those of you unfamiliar with the love motel, they are usually cheesy, themed rooms that can be rented by the night, or by the hour. But before you start going "EWWWWWWW, SIIIIIICK DUDE!", Japan is known for it's cleanliness and attention to detail. A love motel is just as clean and well kept as any other place in Japan. They just often also have condoms on the nightstand, and a vending machine with various kinds of "love enhancements".
The hotel is amazing!
King size bed, jacuzzi tub, slot machine, karaoke machine, indoor and outdoor shower, and the coup de gras, our own private outdoor onsen, or rodenburo (outdoor hot tub) on an enclosed terrace and lawn beds for enjoying the sun. It's like a luxury suite. Unbelievable!
We quickly take advantage of a nice soak in the outdoor bath to relieve some of the tension of the last hour or so, and drift into a peaceful sleep in our fabulous new digs. We dream about whether it would be possible to just stay here forever. Suddently Niitsu just got a whole lot better.
We spend the better part of the early afternoon enjoying the sunshine outside in the onsen, on the lawn chairs, sipping a few cold ones to ease out of the previous night's hangover before heading out to get the train home, relaxed, refreshed, and content.
Accidental romantic weekends. Accidentally awesome.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
5
5 days! 5 days!!!
I am crazy busy cleaning like a madwoman and packing and shipping and unloading stuff on other people, and trying to get in all my last minute goodbyes. Add to that that I am PMSing HARD, eating and drinking way too much, have an expired gym membership in the middle of rainy season when it's hard to run outside, and I gave away my scale and am stressing out worrying that I'm going to gain back a bunch of weight this week...I feel like I am going CRAZY. Hurry up Saturday. Please.
I am crazy busy cleaning like a madwoman and packing and shipping and unloading stuff on other people, and trying to get in all my last minute goodbyes. Add to that that I am PMSing HARD, eating and drinking way too much, have an expired gym membership in the middle of rainy season when it's hard to run outside, and I gave away my scale and am stressing out worrying that I'm going to gain back a bunch of weight this week...I feel like I am going CRAZY. Hurry up Saturday. Please.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Here!
So I have officially made it to my thirties. I had a great birthday weekend and have received so many good wishes from people over the last few days. Thanks so much to Courtney and Justine for our trip to Yokohama Cosmo World yesterday. It was a lot of fun, despite the short lived rain and pointless poncho purchases, however it did make the Mexican food all the more authentic.
Thanks to Zoe for taking me out for a lovely dinner and Karaoke to ring in the 30th year right. You always make me laugh so much my cheeks hurt. And I'll have hours of fun with my new "piano", lol. Thanks to Jude for the company and sharing of drinks and jerky to bring in the official start of my birthday day.
I have discovered yet again how very lucky I am. I have so many people in my life that make it really special. I have decided to stop worrying about the number of candles on my cake and start measuring my life by the number of blessings in it. This year I have many, both here and back home, in the form of people I have known for months, years, and in some cases, a lifetime. Thank you all for making an indelible mark on me. Thank you for letting me be my sometimes crazy self, for putting up with my insanity, and for helping me make myself a better, stronger person. Thanks especially to my parents who are helping me get the next stage of my life started and who have been nothing but supportive of me these last few years as I slowly figure myself out. And last, but not least, thanks T, for loving me. I want for nothing. I have everything I need.
Thanks to Zoe for taking me out for a lovely dinner and Karaoke to ring in the 30th year right. You always make me laugh so much my cheeks hurt. And I'll have hours of fun with my new "piano", lol. Thanks to Jude for the company and sharing of drinks and jerky to bring in the official start of my birthday day.
I have discovered yet again how very lucky I am. I have so many people in my life that make it really special. I have decided to stop worrying about the number of candles on my cake and start measuring my life by the number of blessings in it. This year I have many, both here and back home, in the form of people I have known for months, years, and in some cases, a lifetime. Thank you all for making an indelible mark on me. Thank you for letting me be my sometimes crazy self, for putting up with my insanity, and for helping me make myself a better, stronger person. Thanks especially to my parents who are helping me get the next stage of my life started and who have been nothing but supportive of me these last few years as I slowly figure myself out. And last, but not least, thanks T, for loving me. I want for nothing. I have everything I need.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Reflections
With my 30th birthday fast approaching (it'll be here on Monday, *sigh*), I have found myself in a very reflective mood lately. I, like most women, fear the aging process and, like most, the prospect of leaving my twenties and entering my thirties is a little bit scary. I have mixed emotions about it. Looking back on my early to mid twenties, those are not years I am particularly proud of, nor were they times that were particularly kind. Some of the toughest things I have had to deal with in life happened in my twenties, you'd think that I'd be all to happy to see them go. But they were also times when I had a LOT of fun, made a LOT of memories, good and bad, and learned an awful lot about myself. I look back on the last few years in particular and I can see how much progress I've made in such a short time, and I can't help but feel good about it.
In that vein, I have been thinking the most about the lessons I have learned along the way. Though I don't have any children yet to impart my knowledge to, I do have a baby sister who will turn 16 this year. This is not the first milestone year we have shared. The year I started university was the year she started kindergarten. I can see so much of my personality at 16 reflected in her at 16, and so I thought, what kind of things do I wish someone had told me on my 16th birthday that would have been useful in getting me through my 20's? And so I have decided that it's time for another list, this one being the 30 most important lessons of the last 30 years. Here goes...
1) Never ever ever be afraid to share your feelings with people. Tell people you love them, that you "like" them, or when they hurt your feelings. Confrontation is a good thing when mixed with tact. Always be honest with yourself and others.
2) Never let fear hold you back. Don't be afraid to do something or try something because you're afraid you'll be embarrassed. Go for it. The things I regret the most are the things I missed out on because I was too shy to try.
3) Take care of your body. Start early establishing good habits. Eat well and exercise. You'll thank yourself for it later. McDonald's is not really food.
4) Boys are not that scary. Plus they're shy too. And if a boy doesn't like you back, find one that does. But don't be afraid to tell them just cause you think they might not like you back. You'll never know if you don't ask. See #1.
5) Don't smoke. It's REALLY hard to quit later.
6) Sex is complicated and best with a person you know cares about you and will take care of you. Sex is not to be used to make you feel better about yourself. Be picky.
7) Don't blame your parents for how you turn out. We are all a product of our environment to some degree, but your parents are just people who make lots of mistakes. You'll understand when you become an adult and realise that you are just making decisions and hoping for the best, without knowing the outcome until later. Which brings me to...
8) You'll never feel like a grown up, no matter how old you get. I still feel as confused as I did at 16. The choices only get harder and more important. Get used to feeling lost.
9) Don't waste your time on people who don't make you feel good. Surround yourself with positive vibes. Don't be afraid to walk away from toxic friends.
10) Travel as much as possible, as early as possible. There is a lot of world out there to see.
11) Make very sure you know what you want to do before investing a lot of time and money into school. It's better to take some time off and be sure than to make a rash decision because you think you're supposed to.
12) On that note, don't do things just because you're "supposed to". Do things because you want to and you think it's the right decision for YOU.
13) You can't make other people happy, you can only make yourself happy. Don't make important decisions about your life because it's what someone else thinks is best.
14) Sometimes it's a good idea to talk to your mom on the phone for 3 hours about nothing. Or everything.
15) You learn a lot of interesting things by talking to strangers. Just don't get in their car ;)
16) Looking stupid can be really fun. The older you get, the less embarrassing it becomes. I make an ass of myself in front of a lot of people every day. It's my job, and that's why I love it.
17) Take care of other people whenever you can. You may think you have it rough, but there is always someone who has it worse than you. Volunteering and donating is good for the soul, and good karma to boot.
18) Sometimes the biggest mistake teaches us the biggest lesson. Find the good.
19) That also holds true to people. There's always a reason some people suck. You don't have to be friends with them, but remember that they are still people too, and treat them with respect, even if they don't deserve it.
20) Forgive easily. Grudges are heavy.
21) Just because you can have it now, doesn't mean you should. Save something for tomorrow. I am still trying to learn this one.
22) If you're in a place your mom would be appalled by, you probably shouldn't be there.
23) The best time to eat chocolate cake is in the morning. With milk.
24) Religion and morality are not necessarily synonymous, however they are supposed to complement each other.
25) It's hard to keep your cool sometimes, but you should still try. My mother tells me that when you lose your cool, you lose control. I am still learning this one too.
26) Take everything anyone tells you with a grain of salt. People are not always what they appear. Be careful who you give your trust to. It's a gift. Don't waste it.
27) Always have a back up plan, in case of worst case scenario.
28) Remember people's birthdays, mother's day, father's day, and Christmas. It reminds people you're thinking about them. Schedule books are priceless.
29) Read as much as you can. Knowledge is power. Even if you're reading brain candy, you're still improving your vocabulary.
30) Learning a few simple phrases in the language of the country your are visiting can make your experience that much better and more fulfilling. Make friends with the locals.
Happy Birthday Jody...Happy Birthday me....
In that vein, I have been thinking the most about the lessons I have learned along the way. Though I don't have any children yet to impart my knowledge to, I do have a baby sister who will turn 16 this year. This is not the first milestone year we have shared. The year I started university was the year she started kindergarten. I can see so much of my personality at 16 reflected in her at 16, and so I thought, what kind of things do I wish someone had told me on my 16th birthday that would have been useful in getting me through my 20's? And so I have decided that it's time for another list, this one being the 30 most important lessons of the last 30 years. Here goes...
1) Never ever ever be afraid to share your feelings with people. Tell people you love them, that you "like" them, or when they hurt your feelings. Confrontation is a good thing when mixed with tact. Always be honest with yourself and others.
2) Never let fear hold you back. Don't be afraid to do something or try something because you're afraid you'll be embarrassed. Go for it. The things I regret the most are the things I missed out on because I was too shy to try.
3) Take care of your body. Start early establishing good habits. Eat well and exercise. You'll thank yourself for it later. McDonald's is not really food.
4) Boys are not that scary. Plus they're shy too. And if a boy doesn't like you back, find one that does. But don't be afraid to tell them just cause you think they might not like you back. You'll never know if you don't ask. See #1.
5) Don't smoke. It's REALLY hard to quit later.
6) Sex is complicated and best with a person you know cares about you and will take care of you. Sex is not to be used to make you feel better about yourself. Be picky.
7) Don't blame your parents for how you turn out. We are all a product of our environment to some degree, but your parents are just people who make lots of mistakes. You'll understand when you become an adult and realise that you are just making decisions and hoping for the best, without knowing the outcome until later. Which brings me to...
8) You'll never feel like a grown up, no matter how old you get. I still feel as confused as I did at 16. The choices only get harder and more important. Get used to feeling lost.
9) Don't waste your time on people who don't make you feel good. Surround yourself with positive vibes. Don't be afraid to walk away from toxic friends.
10) Travel as much as possible, as early as possible. There is a lot of world out there to see.
11) Make very sure you know what you want to do before investing a lot of time and money into school. It's better to take some time off and be sure than to make a rash decision because you think you're supposed to.
12) On that note, don't do things just because you're "supposed to". Do things because you want to and you think it's the right decision for YOU.
13) You can't make other people happy, you can only make yourself happy. Don't make important decisions about your life because it's what someone else thinks is best.
14) Sometimes it's a good idea to talk to your mom on the phone for 3 hours about nothing. Or everything.
15) You learn a lot of interesting things by talking to strangers. Just don't get in their car ;)
16) Looking stupid can be really fun. The older you get, the less embarrassing it becomes. I make an ass of myself in front of a lot of people every day. It's my job, and that's why I love it.
17) Take care of other people whenever you can. You may think you have it rough, but there is always someone who has it worse than you. Volunteering and donating is good for the soul, and good karma to boot.
18) Sometimes the biggest mistake teaches us the biggest lesson. Find the good.
19) That also holds true to people. There's always a reason some people suck. You don't have to be friends with them, but remember that they are still people too, and treat them with respect, even if they don't deserve it.
20) Forgive easily. Grudges are heavy.
21) Just because you can have it now, doesn't mean you should. Save something for tomorrow. I am still trying to learn this one.
22) If you're in a place your mom would be appalled by, you probably shouldn't be there.
23) The best time to eat chocolate cake is in the morning. With milk.
24) Religion and morality are not necessarily synonymous, however they are supposed to complement each other.
25) It's hard to keep your cool sometimes, but you should still try. My mother tells me that when you lose your cool, you lose control. I am still learning this one too.
26) Take everything anyone tells you with a grain of salt. People are not always what they appear. Be careful who you give your trust to. It's a gift. Don't waste it.
27) Always have a back up plan, in case of worst case scenario.
28) Remember people's birthdays, mother's day, father's day, and Christmas. It reminds people you're thinking about them. Schedule books are priceless.
29) Read as much as you can. Knowledge is power. Even if you're reading brain candy, you're still improving your vocabulary.
30) Learning a few simple phrases in the language of the country your are visiting can make your experience that much better and more fulfilling. Make friends with the locals.
Happy Birthday Jody...Happy Birthday me....
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May flowers
It's a beautiful sunny day here in Japan, and I am here, inside, sitting in front of the computer, trying to convince myself to get out and run. Don't worry folks, I will get out there as soon as my breakfast settles. Today I have 10K on my agenda, and I intend to get 'er done.
Lately I have been feeling like I am always waiting for something. Waiting for my life to start. Since T's arrival in March, everything has been a waiting game until the next visit. It's become harder and harder to be away from him the closer that he is. I guess I had gotten used to him being so far away in Canada. Now that he is close enough to see him in just a few hours, it's harder for me to be away. I am less than 2 months from the end of my contract, as I recently gave my 60 days notice, so it won't be long and we will be able to see each other every day. I found a job nearby and am anxiously counting down the days.
That's not to say that I am not busy with my own life. I am still doing the crazy gym schedule, however I have recently decided to give up my Japanese lessons. I will have to be more dedicated to studying at home, but I just feel with all the gym stuff, plus now getting ready to move that I am just too busy and I have to give up something. I have recently had a cold and have just been feeling more tired than usual. It's time for me to start giving myself a break.
On a happier note, my birthday is coming up next month so I should have lots of adventures to report soon. I have a night out clubbing in Tokyo planned (not for my b-day but just as my last hurrah in the Tokyo club scene before blasting off to Niigata) as well as a trip to Yokohama Cosmoworld to celebrate my birthday. I am bringing back the tradition of amusement park birthday celebrations abandoned since I left Canada. It's no Wonderland but it looks pretty cool from their website so I am looking forward to it.
In other news, my weight loss continues, albeit slowly, however I have been getting rid of, and replacing, a whole lot of clothes so look forward to some "after" pictures soon enough.
It sure is easy to be happy these days :D
Here are my 2 favourite pics from my last trip:
And here is just a taste of what my new home looks like...Niigata is all about beautiful snow-capped mountains...heaven!
Lately I have been feeling like I am always waiting for something. Waiting for my life to start. Since T's arrival in March, everything has been a waiting game until the next visit. It's become harder and harder to be away from him the closer that he is. I guess I had gotten used to him being so far away in Canada. Now that he is close enough to see him in just a few hours, it's harder for me to be away. I am less than 2 months from the end of my contract, as I recently gave my 60 days notice, so it won't be long and we will be able to see each other every day. I found a job nearby and am anxiously counting down the days.
That's not to say that I am not busy with my own life. I am still doing the crazy gym schedule, however I have recently decided to give up my Japanese lessons. I will have to be more dedicated to studying at home, but I just feel with all the gym stuff, plus now getting ready to move that I am just too busy and I have to give up something. I have recently had a cold and have just been feeling more tired than usual. It's time for me to start giving myself a break.
On a happier note, my birthday is coming up next month so I should have lots of adventures to report soon. I have a night out clubbing in Tokyo planned (not for my b-day but just as my last hurrah in the Tokyo club scene before blasting off to Niigata) as well as a trip to Yokohama Cosmoworld to celebrate my birthday. I am bringing back the tradition of amusement park birthday celebrations abandoned since I left Canada. It's no Wonderland but it looks pretty cool from their website so I am looking forward to it.
In other news, my weight loss continues, albeit slowly, however I have been getting rid of, and replacing, a whole lot of clothes so look forward to some "after" pictures soon enough.
It sure is easy to be happy these days :D
Here are my 2 favourite pics from my last trip:
And here is just a taste of what my new home looks like...Niigata is all about beautiful snow-capped mountains...heaven!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Time warp
It's crazy how so much time seems to pass so quickly. I check in here and realise that it's been more than 3 weeks with no post. Shame! Truthfully, I feel like I don't have a whole lot to say most days. I am back into a routine like back before I left for Korea, work, school, Japanese lessons, the gym and running seem to take up almost all of my time. Throw in an occasional night out at karaoke and that pretty much sums me up these days. It's good to feel the focused though, like I have found some kind of balance to my life. It's funny, but lots of people are always waiting for the next fabulous adventure story, when the truth of it is that when you live abroad, the adventurous bits are just as few and far between as when you're at home. The only difference is I get a lot more holidays here to enjoy. The next one is about a week from now when I'll be on my way up north to get in some quality time with my sorely missed monsieur. The 29th can't come soon enough.
I am also happy to say that with one goal accomplished, I have decide on the next one. I will be running 10K #2 on May 10th, in Susono, which is near Mt. Fuji. I am hoping my girl Courtney will be able to join me to enjoy the hot spring action afterward. Nothing like a good hot soak to soothe the sore muscles after a hard run. I am very much looking forward to that.
On the weight loss front, I was happy to break a 3 week plateau this week with a 2 kilogram weight loss. I have been feeling kind of down on myself lately. Though I know I've come a long way, I can see I may never get into bikini shape, and that makes me feel discouraged. I am working on being kinder and more forgiving to myself though. I have worked very hard to get here and I have to stop expecting perfection. It's hard. I am my own worst critic, and this is the area where I give myself the most grief.
Otherwise, I am happy that spring has finally sprung and am looking forward to getting outside more and enjoying more of what Japan has to offer. I will check in with some more interesting updates (hopefully) after my vacation up north. Until then, I will leave you with some pictures of the gorgeous cherry blossoms. They are only here for a short time, but they are absolutely incredible to see. Mata Ne!
My bike ride to work...awesome!
At the park
Close up...the camera doesn't so them justice really...it's no wonder the Japanese go crazy for them.
I am also happy to say that with one goal accomplished, I have decide on the next one. I will be running 10K #2 on May 10th, in Susono, which is near Mt. Fuji. I am hoping my girl Courtney will be able to join me to enjoy the hot spring action afterward. Nothing like a good hot soak to soothe the sore muscles after a hard run. I am very much looking forward to that.
On the weight loss front, I was happy to break a 3 week plateau this week with a 2 kilogram weight loss. I have been feeling kind of down on myself lately. Though I know I've come a long way, I can see I may never get into bikini shape, and that makes me feel discouraged. I am working on being kinder and more forgiving to myself though. I have worked very hard to get here and I have to stop expecting perfection. It's hard. I am my own worst critic, and this is the area where I give myself the most grief.
Otherwise, I am happy that spring has finally sprung and am looking forward to getting outside more and enjoying more of what Japan has to offer. I will check in with some more interesting updates (hopefully) after my vacation up north. Until then, I will leave you with some pictures of the gorgeous cherry blossoms. They are only here for a short time, but they are absolutely incredible to see. Mata Ne!
My bike ride to work...awesome!
At the park
Close up...the camera doesn't so them justice really...it's no wonder the Japanese go crazy for them.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Mission Accomplished
Lots of happenings lately on this side of the world, and as such it has been a while since my last post. Two very important events have come to fruition after many months of waiting, planning, and training (all of these do not apply to both situations, however). To begin with, I completed my first 10K today, that being my own personal accomplishment. I also tried on, and ALMOST fit into a pair of size 10 jeans today...one of the largest sizes in Japan mind you, but nonetheless, a huge accomplishment in my current battle with my weight. 5 more pounds and those babies are MINE!
But the biggest news of late is that the final countdown is over and T has finally set foot on Japanese soil for a new adventure. I have to say he was a sight for sore eyes after 8 months of separation. I guess you never really know how much someone means to you until you have to say goodbye to them, and then you realise how much you missed them while they (or you, as the case may be) were gone. Though it was a short visit this time, we packed a lot into a few days, including a trip to Disney Sea and to check out some geekness in Akihabara, but mostly just relaxing and enjoying each others company. Though he is off and running on his own adventure up North, it won't be long til our next visit...much less than 8 months to be sure!
Also of note, the new term has begun and I finally have a 2 day (in a row) weekend to enjoy. Finally the freedom to be able to pick up and take off for the weekend. Bliss!
I feel like I have so much to be grateful for these days. Cherry blossom season is just around the corner and I seem to be making lots of plans with friends for get togethers over the next few weeks. This month is sure to fly by. Spring, they say in Japan, is a time for new beginnings and farewells. I am experiencing plenty of both as old teachers leave, and new ones arrive. Though I am sad to see people I have come to know and admire leave, I am happy in the knowledge that I am busy making my own new beginnings...the future looks brighter than ever...:)
I'll leave you with a few pics of the latest adventures, below.
Monsieur, waiting in line to the Indiana Jones ride at Disney Sea
Saying goodbye to some of my students
Taking a Peruvian cooking class with the Narashino International Association
Karaoke in Katsutadai
Sadly, all the pictures of T and I were taken by our friend as well as by T's camera and I haven't received any of these yet. I will update those on Facebook as I receive them, but in the meantime, here is a quick video of our group of friends inside Disney Sea :)
But the biggest news of late is that the final countdown is over and T has finally set foot on Japanese soil for a new adventure. I have to say he was a sight for sore eyes after 8 months of separation. I guess you never really know how much someone means to you until you have to say goodbye to them, and then you realise how much you missed them while they (or you, as the case may be) were gone. Though it was a short visit this time, we packed a lot into a few days, including a trip to Disney Sea and to check out some geekness in Akihabara, but mostly just relaxing and enjoying each others company. Though he is off and running on his own adventure up North, it won't be long til our next visit...much less than 8 months to be sure!
Also of note, the new term has begun and I finally have a 2 day (in a row) weekend to enjoy. Finally the freedom to be able to pick up and take off for the weekend. Bliss!
I feel like I have so much to be grateful for these days. Cherry blossom season is just around the corner and I seem to be making lots of plans with friends for get togethers over the next few weeks. This month is sure to fly by. Spring, they say in Japan, is a time for new beginnings and farewells. I am experiencing plenty of both as old teachers leave, and new ones arrive. Though I am sad to see people I have come to know and admire leave, I am happy in the knowledge that I am busy making my own new beginnings...the future looks brighter than ever...:)
I'll leave you with a few pics of the latest adventures, below.
Monsieur, waiting in line to the Indiana Jones ride at Disney Sea
Saying goodbye to some of my students
Taking a Peruvian cooking class with the Narashino International Association
Karaoke in Katsutadai
Sadly, all the pictures of T and I were taken by our friend as well as by T's camera and I haven't received any of these yet. I will update those on Facebook as I receive them, but in the meantime, here is a quick video of our group of friends inside Disney Sea :)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Busy busy bee
My life has been feeling a wee bit chaotic lately. As some people know, I recently joined a gym, trying to fight off the last of the excess weight that I have been hauling around for far too long. In addition to this I am also training for my first 10K, and in addition to THAT, I have been scheduled to work the past 2 Sundays. Once was a voluntary sub/overtime day, the the second was a colossal "whoopsie" made by the management in accidentally scheduling me to work a mandatory "working holiday (read: unpaid working day) the very next week. And just to top it all off, it seems tons of friends are leaving at the end of this month, and my students all want to have parties at the same time, plus I am preparing for T to FINALLY get here in a few weeks. I am starting to freak out, just a little.
Trying to make time for work, gym, running, students, friends, Japanese lessons and stuff I want to do myself, like going out dancing next week, is causing some serious schedule crammage. Don't get me wrong. Suddenly I am feeling a little bit like Ms. Popular, which is always nice, and I love being busy as it makes time pass quickly when one is anticipating something one has been waiting for for what seems like an eternity. It just seems that everything has just all piled in at one to make for one incredibly wonderful, confusing, exciting, and crazy-busy month!
That being said, I have some pretty awesome events ahead of me in the next few weeks:
Dinner at my students house, complete with the whole class.
Drinks with another of my adult classes (the day before the previous event, oh boy!).
Lunch with my volunteer Japanese teacher.
Drinks at my place with a coworker (tomorrow!) that is leaving to move to Wakayama (FAR!).
Clubbing in Shibuya.
Lunch date and phone shopping with Eunjeong.
Possibly a party at my place for some friends, depending all schedules can coincide.
Hanging out with Matt and Beth before their departure at the end of March.
Dinner with Natasha before she heads out.
Justine's b-day.
Must see Zoe soon, as have been neglecting that friendship as of late. Bad friend! :(
And then, the big event!....Picking up my sweetheart at the airport, trip to Disney, cherry blossom parties, 10K run, checking out Tokyo, etc etc etc.
All this in addition to logging 7.5 hours in the gym and 2 runs, plus of course my regular class work. EEEK!
By the time Golden week get's here and I get another week off to relax, it will be high time, to be sure! But I sure do love the excitement!
Trying to make time for work, gym, running, students, friends, Japanese lessons and stuff I want to do myself, like going out dancing next week, is causing some serious schedule crammage. Don't get me wrong. Suddenly I am feeling a little bit like Ms. Popular, which is always nice, and I love being busy as it makes time pass quickly when one is anticipating something one has been waiting for for what seems like an eternity. It just seems that everything has just all piled in at one to make for one incredibly wonderful, confusing, exciting, and crazy-busy month!
That being said, I have some pretty awesome events ahead of me in the next few weeks:
Dinner at my students house, complete with the whole class.
Drinks with another of my adult classes (the day before the previous event, oh boy!).
Lunch with my volunteer Japanese teacher.
Drinks at my place with a coworker (tomorrow!) that is leaving to move to Wakayama (FAR!).
Clubbing in Shibuya.
Lunch date and phone shopping with Eunjeong.
Possibly a party at my place for some friends, depending all schedules can coincide.
Hanging out with Matt and Beth before their departure at the end of March.
Dinner with Natasha before she heads out.
Justine's b-day.
Must see Zoe soon, as have been neglecting that friendship as of late. Bad friend! :(
And then, the big event!....Picking up my sweetheart at the airport, trip to Disney, cherry blossom parties, 10K run, checking out Tokyo, etc etc etc.
All this in addition to logging 7.5 hours in the gym and 2 runs, plus of course my regular class work. EEEK!
By the time Golden week get's here and I get another week off to relax, it will be high time, to be sure! But I sure do love the excitement!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Gratitude
Let me preface this with "I stole this from Gail". I saw here list of things she was grateful for this year, adn started my own. Unfortunately I could not think of a hundred all at one time, so I kind of forgot about it for a month or so, it was supposed to be a new year thing. Regardless, here are 100 things I am grateful for, in no particular order (though it should be noted that the PEOPLE mentioned would be at the top of the list, were it in order of importance).
1. My fabulous life
2. My parents
3. My siblings
4. Susan and Heather
5. Trevor
6. Having a job during an economic crisis
7. Having the education that allows me to be here
8. Making new friends
9. Keeping in touch with old ones
10. Facebook, Skype, MSN and email for making that easier
11. Not having killed myself by accident in June
12. Bike rides
13. Being able to run
14. Avocadoes
15. Cheap and easily available produce
16. Paying off student loans
17. 20 hour work weeks
18. My super cute apartment
19. One snow fall so far this year, and it didn’t even stay on the ground
20. Thinking minus 5 is frigging freezing
21. Travel
22. Knowing the person I love will soon be a couple of hours away, and not a full day plane ride
23. Discount airline tickets
24. My guitar
25. Friends that make music
26. Dinner parties at Gail’s and Matt and Beth’s
27. Kyoto trip with Justine
28. Coffee chats at Lisa’s
29. Karaoke nights with Sarah
30. Sharing
31. People who help me when I can’t speak enough Japanese to get by
32. My volunteer Japanese teacher
33. Ikegami Sensei
34. My kind and generous students
35. Izakayas
36. Coco Curry
37. Not starting work until 4 some days
38. Legwarmers
39. Heat Tech undershirts
40. Sunshine
41. Walking to work
42. Keitai
43. The Daily Show
44. Diet beer & Chu-His
45. Riding my bike to the gym
46. Body Pump
47. Step Aerobics
48. Body Combat
49. Oatmeal
50. Cool receptionists
51. Hanging out with Eun Jeong
52. Puri-kura
53. My electric blanket
54. REALLY fast internet
55. EZTV
56. The Nike outlet
57. Flashcards
58. Pimsler
59. Club nights in Shibuya
60. The Dart Bar
61. Sex and the City on DVD
62. Having a plan to be debt free by the end of next year
63. Thursdays with Aaron and Shanny
64. Wednesdays with Jude and Eun Jeong
65. Saturdays with David and Sarah
66. Etsuko!
67. Travel reimbursement
68. Plane ticket home bought and paid for
69. U of A hospital
70. My ultra-responsible brother
71. Quitting smoking
72. Never having to go to the laundromat
73. Cheap sushi and sashimi
74. Shanti Indian restaurant
75. Starbucks (the only place with decent coffee, I am ashamed to say)
76. Aeon
77. Cuteness
78. 5 minutes to get to work 2 days of the week
79. Less than 30 minutes commute EVER
80. The Taeko game
81. Egg McMuffins (shut up, when I have no time!)
82. Sweet potatoes
83. Yukyu days
84. Sheila
85. Lisa
86. Jacklynn
87. Hanging out at Mie’s house
88. Legally drinking in public
89. Cheap shopping
90. Sending home half my paycheck anyways
91. Excellent exchange rate
92. Cheap health insurance
93. Low crime rate
94. Free tissues
95. Dictionaries
96. Body language
97. Taxes included
98. Duty free (T, I have a list, lol)
99. Subtitles
100. sparkpeople.com
1. My fabulous life
2. My parents
3. My siblings
4. Susan and Heather
5. Trevor
6. Having a job during an economic crisis
7. Having the education that allows me to be here
8. Making new friends
9. Keeping in touch with old ones
10. Facebook, Skype, MSN and email for making that easier
11. Not having killed myself by accident in June
12. Bike rides
13. Being able to run
14. Avocadoes
15. Cheap and easily available produce
16. Paying off student loans
17. 20 hour work weeks
18. My super cute apartment
19. One snow fall so far this year, and it didn’t even stay on the ground
20. Thinking minus 5 is frigging freezing
21. Travel
22. Knowing the person I love will soon be a couple of hours away, and not a full day plane ride
23. Discount airline tickets
24. My guitar
25. Friends that make music
26. Dinner parties at Gail’s and Matt and Beth’s
27. Kyoto trip with Justine
28. Coffee chats at Lisa’s
29. Karaoke nights with Sarah
30. Sharing
31. People who help me when I can’t speak enough Japanese to get by
32. My volunteer Japanese teacher
33. Ikegami Sensei
34. My kind and generous students
35. Izakayas
36. Coco Curry
37. Not starting work until 4 some days
38. Legwarmers
39. Heat Tech undershirts
40. Sunshine
41. Walking to work
42. Keitai
43. The Daily Show
44. Diet beer & Chu-His
45. Riding my bike to the gym
46. Body Pump
47. Step Aerobics
48. Body Combat
49. Oatmeal
50. Cool receptionists
51. Hanging out with Eun Jeong
52. Puri-kura
53. My electric blanket
54. REALLY fast internet
55. EZTV
56. The Nike outlet
57. Flashcards
58. Pimsler
59. Club nights in Shibuya
60. The Dart Bar
61. Sex and the City on DVD
62. Having a plan to be debt free by the end of next year
63. Thursdays with Aaron and Shanny
64. Wednesdays with Jude and Eun Jeong
65. Saturdays with David and Sarah
66. Etsuko!
67. Travel reimbursement
68. Plane ticket home bought and paid for
69. U of A hospital
70. My ultra-responsible brother
71. Quitting smoking
72. Never having to go to the laundromat
73. Cheap sushi and sashimi
74. Shanti Indian restaurant
75. Starbucks (the only place with decent coffee, I am ashamed to say)
76. Aeon
77. Cuteness
78. 5 minutes to get to work 2 days of the week
79. Less than 30 minutes commute EVER
80. The Taeko game
81. Egg McMuffins (shut up, when I have no time!)
82. Sweet potatoes
83. Yukyu days
84. Sheila
85. Lisa
86. Jacklynn
87. Hanging out at Mie’s house
88. Legally drinking in public
89. Cheap shopping
90. Sending home half my paycheck anyways
91. Excellent exchange rate
92. Cheap health insurance
93. Low crime rate
94. Free tissues
95. Dictionaries
96. Body language
97. Taxes included
98. Duty free (T, I have a list, lol)
99. Subtitles
100. sparkpeople.com
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Daddy's Girl
Actually, I never really thought of myself as a Daddy's girl. My father and I have never had the world's greatest relationship. We never seem to see eye to eye on anything, and, especially in my teenage years, I rebelled a lot against what he thought was best for me, or how he thought it best to raise me. Words were exchanged and feelings hurt on both sides on more than one occasion. However, I do feel that over the last few years we have come to a mutual understanding and respect for one another.
One thing I am sure of, and have never doubted, is that my father loves me very much. And despite all of our differences, I love him very much too, I always have, and I always will. My father raised me pretty much by himself for a large part of my childhood. He was the one who kissed me goodnight every night, who made me say my prayers before I went to sleep, and who always told me, at the end of every day, that he loved me. I credit him as being a very significant contributor in the fact that I grew up always knowing that no matter where in the world I was, someone out there loved me.
I have so many happy childhood memories of days spent at the cabin, rides on the skidoo, him taking us out in the woods or fishing. My father is an outdoorsman at heart and I am convinced he could survive indefinitely in the woods with nothing but a tin can and some wire. He's the McGyver of outdoor living. I believe that over the years we have resolved any of the differences we may have had in the past, and now the things I remember most about my childhood are all the fun things we used to do with Daddy when we were small. I also credit him with my appreciation of music, especially the classics, and by that I mean the Beatles, the Stones, Simon and Garfunkle, and CCR, among others. I clearly remember having to do a music project on a "classical" musician (Handel, I believe) in elementary school, and my father claiming that I should be able to do my project on a "real" classical musician, like John Lennon, for instance.
That is why, when I received word this weekend that my father suffered a small stoke last Friday, my heart skipped a beat. Though we live far apart, and we don't speak often (he hates talking on the phone and is computer illiterate, lol) I think of him often, and I can't imagine what my life would be like without him in it. He's a young man, only 54 years old. I am not ready to lose him.
Yet when I spoke to him today, after he was released from the hospital, he was the same as ever, making jokes, making light of the situation, most likely to keep me calm. (I remember he always used to joke that I was "getting his shirt all wet" when I would cry as a child, to try to get me to laugh and cheer me up.) However, I am happy to report that his tune has changed. This has been enough of a scare for him to realise that it's time to change his ways, and start living a healthier life so that he can be around to enjoy more of it. There is lots more good stuff around the corner, and like I told him today, I want him to be around and healthy enough to enjoy his grandchildren one of these days.
So here's to my father, the first man in my life. The first man to hold me, and dry my tears, and tell me everything is going to be ok. To the man who put food in my belly, a roof over my head and clothes on my back for the first 18 years of my life. Thank you for being the best daddy you could be. I know I was a willful child at times. I know that you probably would have had an easier time raising a less girly girl. Thank you so much for being the person that you are. I hope that I have many more years to listen to your corny jokes, tease you about your fashion sense, and tell you many many many times how much I love you. You mean the world to me. Please get well soon. I can't wait to see you.
Dad and Aunt Sharon, 2006
One thing I am sure of, and have never doubted, is that my father loves me very much. And despite all of our differences, I love him very much too, I always have, and I always will. My father raised me pretty much by himself for a large part of my childhood. He was the one who kissed me goodnight every night, who made me say my prayers before I went to sleep, and who always told me, at the end of every day, that he loved me. I credit him as being a very significant contributor in the fact that I grew up always knowing that no matter where in the world I was, someone out there loved me.
I have so many happy childhood memories of days spent at the cabin, rides on the skidoo, him taking us out in the woods or fishing. My father is an outdoorsman at heart and I am convinced he could survive indefinitely in the woods with nothing but a tin can and some wire. He's the McGyver of outdoor living. I believe that over the years we have resolved any of the differences we may have had in the past, and now the things I remember most about my childhood are all the fun things we used to do with Daddy when we were small. I also credit him with my appreciation of music, especially the classics, and by that I mean the Beatles, the Stones, Simon and Garfunkle, and CCR, among others. I clearly remember having to do a music project on a "classical" musician (Handel, I believe) in elementary school, and my father claiming that I should be able to do my project on a "real" classical musician, like John Lennon, for instance.
That is why, when I received word this weekend that my father suffered a small stoke last Friday, my heart skipped a beat. Though we live far apart, and we don't speak often (he hates talking on the phone and is computer illiterate, lol) I think of him often, and I can't imagine what my life would be like without him in it. He's a young man, only 54 years old. I am not ready to lose him.
Yet when I spoke to him today, after he was released from the hospital, he was the same as ever, making jokes, making light of the situation, most likely to keep me calm. (I remember he always used to joke that I was "getting his shirt all wet" when I would cry as a child, to try to get me to laugh and cheer me up.) However, I am happy to report that his tune has changed. This has been enough of a scare for him to realise that it's time to change his ways, and start living a healthier life so that he can be around to enjoy more of it. There is lots more good stuff around the corner, and like I told him today, I want him to be around and healthy enough to enjoy his grandchildren one of these days.
So here's to my father, the first man in my life. The first man to hold me, and dry my tears, and tell me everything is going to be ok. To the man who put food in my belly, a roof over my head and clothes on my back for the first 18 years of my life. Thank you for being the best daddy you could be. I know I was a willful child at times. I know that you probably would have had an easier time raising a less girly girl. Thank you so much for being the person that you are. I hope that I have many more years to listen to your corny jokes, tease you about your fashion sense, and tell you many many many times how much I love you. You mean the world to me. Please get well soon. I can't wait to see you.
Dad and Aunt Sharon, 2006
Thursday, February 5, 2009
love/life
So much is going on these days I hardly know where to begin. I just received the wonderful news that the love of my life will be coming here for a visit on his way to his new gig in Niigata. I am glad he finally came around to my point of view that 9 months has been far too long and that it will surely be nice to see a smiling face at the end of such a long and arduous trek across the pacific, and most of the North American continent. Now I still have about 7 weeks to count down but I am very glad to know that the wait is almost over. I miss you T.
In other happenings, I have embarked yet again on a quest for self improvement. With a 10K race coming up at the end of March (the 29th to be exact) I am training my butt off as we speak. I have decided that this last 20 pounds I have been struggling with for years have had their time and I will be fiercely battling them until I WIN! I have joined a gym and have been going regularly, and did my longest run yet yesterday, at 6K. I should be in top fighting form by the time the Sakura Asahi Health Marathon begins at the end of next month.
On the subject of the gym however, I did experience yet another instance of discrimination when I was denied membership at my number one choice gym on the basis that I have a tattoo. Apparently just having one is grounds for denial, and even the offer to cover up all tattoos while on the premises did nothing to persuade them to allow me access. I was forced to go to gym number 2, with less of what I was looking for, but at least closer to home. There I was told that I must keep all tattoos covered at all times, and that even one lapse detected by the staff would result in my immediate expulsion without refund. All I can say is, LAME. I can neither shower nor use the pool, and am reduced to wearing very un-stylish turtlenecks to my aerobics classes. Nevertheless I am grateful to at least have a gym to call my own, after 3 previous failed attempts. (The first 2 I was denied on the basis that I don't speak Japanese) This really shocked me. Though I was prepared for the fact that tattoos would be banned, I was not expecting to be asked outright and then denied for simply HAVING them, and I thought that my willingness to be sensitive to my new culture would be sufficient. Apparently not. It amazes me that a person who has the drive and determination, who has made the step, which is often challenging for many people, to decide to improve themselves, their health, and overall quality of life, could be denied from doing so over something as insignificant as a few flowers on the back of one's neck. Oh Japan, please get with the times.
This month I also embarked on my second journey into the Tokyo underworld, with out most recent all-night club outing in Shibuya last weekend. We ended up again at Camelot, where we danced the night away and left at the crack of dawn, all danced out, exhausted, but happy and satisfied that we had indeed kicked Camelot's butt. We then proceeded to fall asleep on the train on the way home. Special thanks to Jude for making sure I got up and off the train at my stop and did not end up in Katsutadai, or worse, on the way back to Tokyo. I will include some of the pictures of the festivities here for you to enjoy.
Until next time folks, stay warm! Here's hoping for an early spring! :)
The "before" shots: Jude and Yuko
Sarah and I
I never knew Jude was such a wild man!
The "after" shot...oh dear!
In other happenings, I have embarked yet again on a quest for self improvement. With a 10K race coming up at the end of March (the 29th to be exact) I am training my butt off as we speak. I have decided that this last 20 pounds I have been struggling with for years have had their time and I will be fiercely battling them until I WIN! I have joined a gym and have been going regularly, and did my longest run yet yesterday, at 6K. I should be in top fighting form by the time the Sakura Asahi Health Marathon begins at the end of next month.
On the subject of the gym however, I did experience yet another instance of discrimination when I was denied membership at my number one choice gym on the basis that I have a tattoo. Apparently just having one is grounds for denial, and even the offer to cover up all tattoos while on the premises did nothing to persuade them to allow me access. I was forced to go to gym number 2, with less of what I was looking for, but at least closer to home. There I was told that I must keep all tattoos covered at all times, and that even one lapse detected by the staff would result in my immediate expulsion without refund. All I can say is, LAME. I can neither shower nor use the pool, and am reduced to wearing very un-stylish turtlenecks to my aerobics classes. Nevertheless I am grateful to at least have a gym to call my own, after 3 previous failed attempts. (The first 2 I was denied on the basis that I don't speak Japanese) This really shocked me. Though I was prepared for the fact that tattoos would be banned, I was not expecting to be asked outright and then denied for simply HAVING them, and I thought that my willingness to be sensitive to my new culture would be sufficient. Apparently not. It amazes me that a person who has the drive and determination, who has made the step, which is often challenging for many people, to decide to improve themselves, their health, and overall quality of life, could be denied from doing so over something as insignificant as a few flowers on the back of one's neck. Oh Japan, please get with the times.
This month I also embarked on my second journey into the Tokyo underworld, with out most recent all-night club outing in Shibuya last weekend. We ended up again at Camelot, where we danced the night away and left at the crack of dawn, all danced out, exhausted, but happy and satisfied that we had indeed kicked Camelot's butt. We then proceeded to fall asleep on the train on the way home. Special thanks to Jude for making sure I got up and off the train at my stop and did not end up in Katsutadai, or worse, on the way back to Tokyo. I will include some of the pictures of the festivities here for you to enjoy.
Until next time folks, stay warm! Here's hoping for an early spring! :)
The "before" shots: Jude and Yuko
Sarah and I
I never knew Jude was such a wild man!
The "after" shot...oh dear!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Firsts
I have had a theme stuck in my head for the last few days. It's now been more than 18 months since I left for Korea, and I have been thinking about all the things I have experienced, most for the first time, since I left Canada in 2007. Some of them are awesome, and some of them decidedly less so. I have compiled a list of the ones that have popped into my head. Regardless of their awesomeness factor, I am grateful for all of them, good and bad, as they have all taught me something, about the world, about other people, and about myself.
In no particular order:
1. Gotten a passport
2. Received my first working visa
3. Taken my first trans-pacific flight
4. Moved to Korea
5. Crossed 13 hours worth of time zones
6. Completely changed my internal clock
7. Gone through teacher training boot camp
8. Gone through ESL boot camp for over a year!
9. Experienced a norae baeng.
10. Discovered how delicious 4 a.m. kimbap can be
11. Learned how to order food and say a few other useful phrases in Korean
12. Ridden a bullet train
13. Made new friends from Canada, America, Korea, Japan, Bulgaria, Belarus, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Scotland
14. Taken Tae Kwon Do lessons
15. Sprained my ankle taking Tae Kwon Do lessons
16. Traveled to Jeju, twice
17. Visited a sexual theme park
18. Climbed the highest mountain in Korea (on said busted ankle)
19. Gone parasailing
20. Visited Japan and decided I would like to try living here
21. Visited the 2nd largest aquarium in the world
22. Seen manatees
23. Gotten lost
24. Eaten “live” octopus, and silk worm pupae
25. Learned to hula hoop
26. Learned to read hangul, hiragana and katakana
27. Learned to be by myself, a LOT
28. Fallen in love
29. Fallen out of love
30. Fallen out of the sky (well, jumped off a mountain really)
31. Had my heart broken
32. Fixed it up again to discover it came back stronger than before
33. Gone paragliding
34. Hit a fence
35. Dislocated my foot
36. Ridden in an ambulance
37. Had surgery in a foreign hospital
38. Gotten a cast
39. Learned to use crutches
40. Realized what it’s really like to miss your family and friends, and how good it is to see them again
41. Been to Iceland (for a few hours, anyways)
42. Gone to a “café” in Amsterdam
43. Stood under the Eiffel Tower
44. Taken a boat ride on the Seine
45. Gone to the Louvre (sadly, closed that day)
46. Taken a train through the Chunnel
47. Discovered that soju is a toxic substance that will melt off taste buds and give you the worst hangover imaginable
48. Found out how much it sucks to not have health insurance, if only for a couple of weeks
49. Moved to Japan
50. Moved away from the person I love
51. Seen just about every old and/or reconstructed structure in Kyoto
52. Seen cherry blossom trees for the first time
53. Partied all night in Tokyo
54. Watched the sun rise over Ginza
55. Seen a Maiko (Geisha in training)
56. Studied Japanese
57. Been to a sumo tournament
58. Worn a kimono
59. “Slept” on a bus
60. Experienced an (several) earthquake(s)
Here's hoping the next 18 months give me lots more learning experiences to be grateful for (though more awesomeness, and less not-so-awesome would definitely be the preferable option) ;)
In no particular order:
1. Gotten a passport
2. Received my first working visa
3. Taken my first trans-pacific flight
4. Moved to Korea
5. Crossed 13 hours worth of time zones
6. Completely changed my internal clock
7. Gone through teacher training boot camp
8. Gone through ESL boot camp for over a year!
9. Experienced a norae baeng.
10. Discovered how delicious 4 a.m. kimbap can be
11. Learned how to order food and say a few other useful phrases in Korean
12. Ridden a bullet train
13. Made new friends from Canada, America, Korea, Japan, Bulgaria, Belarus, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Scotland
14. Taken Tae Kwon Do lessons
15. Sprained my ankle taking Tae Kwon Do lessons
16. Traveled to Jeju, twice
17. Visited a sexual theme park
18. Climbed the highest mountain in Korea (on said busted ankle)
19. Gone parasailing
20. Visited Japan and decided I would like to try living here
21. Visited the 2nd largest aquarium in the world
22. Seen manatees
23. Gotten lost
24. Eaten “live” octopus, and silk worm pupae
25. Learned to hula hoop
26. Learned to read hangul, hiragana and katakana
27. Learned to be by myself, a LOT
28. Fallen in love
29. Fallen out of love
30. Fallen out of the sky (well, jumped off a mountain really)
31. Had my heart broken
32. Fixed it up again to discover it came back stronger than before
33. Gone paragliding
34. Hit a fence
35. Dislocated my foot
36. Ridden in an ambulance
37. Had surgery in a foreign hospital
38. Gotten a cast
39. Learned to use crutches
40. Realized what it’s really like to miss your family and friends, and how good it is to see them again
41. Been to Iceland (for a few hours, anyways)
42. Gone to a “café” in Amsterdam
43. Stood under the Eiffel Tower
44. Taken a boat ride on the Seine
45. Gone to the Louvre (sadly, closed that day)
46. Taken a train through the Chunnel
47. Discovered that soju is a toxic substance that will melt off taste buds and give you the worst hangover imaginable
48. Found out how much it sucks to not have health insurance, if only for a couple of weeks
49. Moved to Japan
50. Moved away from the person I love
51. Seen just about every old and/or reconstructed structure in Kyoto
52. Seen cherry blossom trees for the first time
53. Partied all night in Tokyo
54. Watched the sun rise over Ginza
55. Seen a Maiko (Geisha in training)
56. Studied Japanese
57. Been to a sumo tournament
58. Worn a kimono
59. “Slept” on a bus
60. Experienced an (several) earthquake(s)
Here's hoping the next 18 months give me lots more learning experiences to be grateful for (though more awesomeness, and less not-so-awesome would definitely be the preferable option) ;)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy New Year!
Well, here we are! It's hard to believe that it's 2009 already. Remember Y2K? That was almost 10 YEARS AGO! It's amazing to me that we will be beginning another decade next year.
I just got back from Kyoto yesterday. It was an amazing trip, but I must say I am happy to be back in my home sweet home. Justine and I logged a lot of miles on our shoes this past week. We figured it must have been about 10K of walking every day that we were there. I am pretty much templed out at this point, as I have seen more temples in the past week than I can count. All the pictures are there for viewing on Facebook. I was very happy to have been able to also get in a day trip to Nara, and of course Osaka, monsieur's old stomping grounds. It was unfortunate that we were unable to visit the infamous reggae bar though, due to it being closed. That was the one thing on my list that I didn't get to cross off this time, however I am assured that a visit is in the cards for us in the future, after T gets here this spring. (Only 3 more months to go, yay!)
I did manage to get in an onsen visit this trip too, which was surprising. They don't normally allow us tattooed folks in. It was a little bit embarrassing though. The place we wanted to go to was closed for the holidays and we ended up having to go to a small neighborhood place. Unfortunately we didn't realise that you are expected to bring all your own gear, towels, soap and the like...we were informed of this by a sweet old lady on the way in who graciously gave us some towels. Luckily we remembered to bring shampoo which also served as body wash so that we would be clean enough to go in. As foreigners in this country, we realise that people are expecting us to do things wrong, however Justine and I both agree that we really like being able to do things right, thereby allowing us to be smug in our superior knowledge of Japanese culture. We HATE when we do it wrong! How embarrassing!
Humiliation aside, it was a fantastic trip. We managed to stalk some geisha. Literally. We actually stalked this girl we spotted on our first night in Gion, hurried past her and then "realised we were going the wrong way", then turned around so we could get a good look. Justine is an excellent partner in crime, very sneaky! We also scoped out an Irish pub where they did a lovely Christmas dinner, complete with turkey, all the fixings, wine, and flaming rum pudding for desert. It took us an hour to find the place, as Justine and I both have horrible sense of direction, but it was well worth it. I was happy that I got to walk some of it off before the meal, in fact. It was a feast!
For New Year's eve, we went to a nearby shrine and waited for the countdown. It was a bit anticlimactic this year, no hoopla, no big celebration. This is the first time in recent memory I wasn't nursing a hangover all day New Year's Day, which was a blessing in itself. We headed home after that and shared some sparkling wine and went to bed early, and got up for a temple visit the next day. Pretty much just as the Japanese folks do.
So, as we have now entered the New Year, it is the time of year for reflection, resolutions, time to think of the things we wish we'd done better, or the successes we've had over the last year that we would like to continue to see more of in the coming year. This is also the first year that "quit smoking" was not on my resolution list, as I have recently kicked the habit, I just have to make sure not to have any "slip ups" from now on. So I have decided my goals for the year as are follows:
1) Have more fun and see more things than last year
2) Deal better with everyday annoyances (i.e. not lose my cool)
3) Practice French more and study hard to learn Japanese
4) Run 10K on March 29th
5) Lose that last very annoying 20 pounds by doing what I know has worked in the past (i.e. stop being lazy about it and just DO IT!)
6) Waste less (money, time, stuff in general)
7) Send more letters, postcards, keep in touch more with the people I love
8) Be more grateful for my fabulous life, and stop wishing for what other people have...just be happy with me, and my life. This includes being nicer to myself, and not comparing myself to others.
That's quite a list but I think it's doable. Some of these are things I'm already doing, and just need to step up my game a bit. Others I really need to make a conscious effort to do.
I hope you all have a safe and happy new year, and that you are able to keep your own resolutions. Lots of love.
~J
P.S Here are a few pics of our lovely vaca...sorry, no pics from the onsen ;)
On the bus on the way to Kyoto, so excited!
Day 1, tired but happy.
Trying out a kimono
In front of the Osaka skyline, Umeda Sky Tower
I just got back from Kyoto yesterday. It was an amazing trip, but I must say I am happy to be back in my home sweet home. Justine and I logged a lot of miles on our shoes this past week. We figured it must have been about 10K of walking every day that we were there. I am pretty much templed out at this point, as I have seen more temples in the past week than I can count. All the pictures are there for viewing on Facebook. I was very happy to have been able to also get in a day trip to Nara, and of course Osaka, monsieur's old stomping grounds. It was unfortunate that we were unable to visit the infamous reggae bar though, due to it being closed. That was the one thing on my list that I didn't get to cross off this time, however I am assured that a visit is in the cards for us in the future, after T gets here this spring. (Only 3 more months to go, yay!)
I did manage to get in an onsen visit this trip too, which was surprising. They don't normally allow us tattooed folks in. It was a little bit embarrassing though. The place we wanted to go to was closed for the holidays and we ended up having to go to a small neighborhood place. Unfortunately we didn't realise that you are expected to bring all your own gear, towels, soap and the like...we were informed of this by a sweet old lady on the way in who graciously gave us some towels. Luckily we remembered to bring shampoo which also served as body wash so that we would be clean enough to go in. As foreigners in this country, we realise that people are expecting us to do things wrong, however Justine and I both agree that we really like being able to do things right, thereby allowing us to be smug in our superior knowledge of Japanese culture. We HATE when we do it wrong! How embarrassing!
Humiliation aside, it was a fantastic trip. We managed to stalk some geisha. Literally. We actually stalked this girl we spotted on our first night in Gion, hurried past her and then "realised we were going the wrong way", then turned around so we could get a good look. Justine is an excellent partner in crime, very sneaky! We also scoped out an Irish pub where they did a lovely Christmas dinner, complete with turkey, all the fixings, wine, and flaming rum pudding for desert. It took us an hour to find the place, as Justine and I both have horrible sense of direction, but it was well worth it. I was happy that I got to walk some of it off before the meal, in fact. It was a feast!
For New Year's eve, we went to a nearby shrine and waited for the countdown. It was a bit anticlimactic this year, no hoopla, no big celebration. This is the first time in recent memory I wasn't nursing a hangover all day New Year's Day, which was a blessing in itself. We headed home after that and shared some sparkling wine and went to bed early, and got up for a temple visit the next day. Pretty much just as the Japanese folks do.
So, as we have now entered the New Year, it is the time of year for reflection, resolutions, time to think of the things we wish we'd done better, or the successes we've had over the last year that we would like to continue to see more of in the coming year. This is also the first year that "quit smoking" was not on my resolution list, as I have recently kicked the habit, I just have to make sure not to have any "slip ups" from now on. So I have decided my goals for the year as are follows:
1) Have more fun and see more things than last year
2) Deal better with everyday annoyances (i.e. not lose my cool)
3) Practice French more and study hard to learn Japanese
4) Run 10K on March 29th
5) Lose that last very annoying 20 pounds by doing what I know has worked in the past (i.e. stop being lazy about it and just DO IT!)
6) Waste less (money, time, stuff in general)
7) Send more letters, postcards, keep in touch more with the people I love
8) Be more grateful for my fabulous life, and stop wishing for what other people have...just be happy with me, and my life. This includes being nicer to myself, and not comparing myself to others.
That's quite a list but I think it's doable. Some of these are things I'm already doing, and just need to step up my game a bit. Others I really need to make a conscious effort to do.
I hope you all have a safe and happy new year, and that you are able to keep your own resolutions. Lots of love.
~J
P.S Here are a few pics of our lovely vaca...sorry, no pics from the onsen ;)
On the bus on the way to Kyoto, so excited!
Day 1, tired but happy.
Trying out a kimono
In front of the Osaka skyline, Umeda Sky Tower
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