Japan_Bound
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
All in the name of beauty, or shoe fetishes . . .
Many centuries ago, men used things like iron maidens, the rack, and the wheel, to inflict torture on one another. Barring the availability of such devices, men and women were burned with hot pincers, slowly drowned, forced to wear masks and chastity belts, disemboweled, and cut to pieces. In the Western world, these means of torture are no longer considered "civilized" so man invented high-heeled shoes.
Perhaps many of you don't know about my shoe fetish, or that my feet are quite big (my dad doesn't affectionately call them skies for nothing). Most Japanese women have tiny feet, or feet that are tinier on average than a Western woman's feet. When I packed to come to Japan I was, regretfully, forced to leave most of my shoes behind. I pretty much go insane if I don't have more than two pairs of shoes to choose from on any given morning, so I was forced to take some drastic measures. I found a really great pair of shoes recently that I just ADORE (that is adoreD until today). OK, so maybe they didn't fit me perfectly in the store, but I figured they'd stretch because they're leather. Plus I really really loved them, so who cared if they were a tidge small?
Flash forward to this morning when, for the first time, I decided to try them out. I made it to the train station (maybe a five minute walk) and barely made it down the stairs because I was in so much agony. I decided, to hell with it, and took them off. Which meant that I was walking all around downtown Osaka in my stockings. I've never received as many weird looks as I have today! I found some comfy, sensible slingbacks while on my dinner break, and with only a few tears shed, gave the much adored shoes to one of the Japanese staff for whom they are a perfect fit.
There is a moral to this story. High-heeled shoes were invented by men and for men. They are the quintessential modern torture device. I know, because I have two huge open wounds on my heels right now that make it almost impossible to walk. Which sucks, because that's all one does in good-old Japan.
I will NEVER buy shoes that are too small again. Which means I learned something. Er, until I find another really great pair of shoes that is.
Many centuries ago, men used things like iron maidens, the rack, and the wheel, to inflict torture on one another. Barring the availability of such devices, men and women were burned with hot pincers, slowly drowned, forced to wear masks and chastity belts, disemboweled, and cut to pieces. In the Western world, these means of torture are no longer considered "civilized" so man invented high-heeled shoes.
Perhaps many of you don't know about my shoe fetish, or that my feet are quite big (my dad doesn't affectionately call them skies for nothing). Most Japanese women have tiny feet, or feet that are tinier on average than a Western woman's feet. When I packed to come to Japan I was, regretfully, forced to leave most of my shoes behind. I pretty much go insane if I don't have more than two pairs of shoes to choose from on any given morning, so I was forced to take some drastic measures. I found a really great pair of shoes recently that I just ADORE (that is adoreD until today). OK, so maybe they didn't fit me perfectly in the store, but I figured they'd stretch because they're leather. Plus I really really loved them, so who cared if they were a tidge small?
Flash forward to this morning when, for the first time, I decided to try them out. I made it to the train station (maybe a five minute walk) and barely made it down the stairs because I was in so much agony. I decided, to hell with it, and took them off. Which meant that I was walking all around downtown Osaka in my stockings. I've never received as many weird looks as I have today! I found some comfy, sensible slingbacks while on my dinner break, and with only a few tears shed, gave the much adored shoes to one of the Japanese staff for whom they are a perfect fit.
There is a moral to this story. High-heeled shoes were invented by men and for men. They are the quintessential modern torture device. I know, because I have two huge open wounds on my heels right now that make it almost impossible to walk. Which sucks, because that's all one does in good-old Japan.
I will NEVER buy shoes that are too small again. Which means I learned something. Er, until I find another really great pair of shoes that is.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Change is in the air . . .
I just got the feedback from my six month observation and got offered the promotion I've been waiting for! I'm so happy and excited and proud of myself. I have to wait for the AAM to get back from his holidays in May and then I'll have a special interview for the job with him. The next training session for AT's (assistant trainers) is in early summer, which means I'll have extensive training and, after that, a raise. Woo hoo!! Yay for Meegie!
I've forgotten to mention on several occasions that we're getting a third room mate (Raphaele from France) on the first of the month, which means that Elo and I have been madly cleaning and getting everything ready for her arrival. I'm absolutely exhausted this week. On top of dividing my time between two schools, I'm doing help shifts at yet another branch this weekend (it's only a 20 minute train ride away from my home branch, so it isn't a big deal). Plus I've already done overtime twice this week and due to shift swaps won't be getting a weekend this week - I'm on a 12 day stretch now. Four days into it and I'm already beat! I think I'm in trouble! Since this is my first shift work job it's still taking some getting used to; my normal schedule was fine (3 earlies and 2 lates), but I'm all over the place at different times right now and it stresses me out that my schedule is so different that I don't have it memorized. Oh well, it will be back to normal next week. I'll still be working at two different schools ofcourse, but the help shifts at the third branch will be overwith and I'll also have a weekend. I think Ali and I are going to go out for some drinks because Friday is the last time I'll see her until May (her mom is coming and they're travelling all over Japan together). What will I do without my Ali-Bean?!
I just got the feedback from my six month observation and got offered the promotion I've been waiting for! I'm so happy and excited and proud of myself. I have to wait for the AAM to get back from his holidays in May and then I'll have a special interview for the job with him. The next training session for AT's (assistant trainers) is in early summer, which means I'll have extensive training and, after that, a raise. Woo hoo!! Yay for Meegie!
I've forgotten to mention on several occasions that we're getting a third room mate (Raphaele from France) on the first of the month, which means that Elo and I have been madly cleaning and getting everything ready for her arrival. I'm absolutely exhausted this week. On top of dividing my time between two schools, I'm doing help shifts at yet another branch this weekend (it's only a 20 minute train ride away from my home branch, so it isn't a big deal). Plus I've already done overtime twice this week and due to shift swaps won't be getting a weekend this week - I'm on a 12 day stretch now. Four days into it and I'm already beat! I think I'm in trouble! Since this is my first shift work job it's still taking some getting used to; my normal schedule was fine (3 earlies and 2 lates), but I'm all over the place at different times right now and it stresses me out that my schedule is so different that I don't have it memorized. Oh well, it will be back to normal next week. I'll still be working at two different schools ofcourse, but the help shifts at the third branch will be overwith and I'll also have a weekend. I think Ali and I are going to go out for some drinks because Friday is the last time I'll see her until May (her mom is coming and they're travelling all over Japan together). What will I do without my Ali-Bean?!
Friday, March 26, 2004
Spring is in the air . . .
Hello! Back again after yet another long hiatus. Sorry about that, as I know you're all dying to hear about my great adventures. Unfortunately, there haven't been any great adventures lately. I've been so busy lately; what with dividing my time between two schools, trying to get everything up and running at the new school, and doing so much overtime, I just haven't been having much of a social life. Ali and I have managed to schedule a few afternoon coffee breaks, but other than that we barely even see eachother anymore. We are going to try to go to Kyoto next week for the Cherry Blossom viewing, which is a HUGE deal in Japan. There are news programs entirely devoted to tracking the cherry blossoms across Japan; they start in the southernmost part of Japan and work their way North. They are in full bloom in Tokyo right now and should be in full bloom in Kansai (the region that includes Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Osaka) starting next week. Or atleast, that's what we've been told; some people are skeptical, however, because the weather has been SO funny this year. Yesterday it was 5 degrees and pouring rain, today it was 22 degrees and sunny. Go figure. Anyway, if we do manage to get to Kyoto you can bet I'll be taking lots of pictures and sending them on home for you to see.
That's about all for now. I'll keep you posted!
Hello! Back again after yet another long hiatus. Sorry about that, as I know you're all dying to hear about my great adventures. Unfortunately, there haven't been any great adventures lately. I've been so busy lately; what with dividing my time between two schools, trying to get everything up and running at the new school, and doing so much overtime, I just haven't been having much of a social life. Ali and I have managed to schedule a few afternoon coffee breaks, but other than that we barely even see eachother anymore. We are going to try to go to Kyoto next week for the Cherry Blossom viewing, which is a HUGE deal in Japan. There are news programs entirely devoted to tracking the cherry blossoms across Japan; they start in the southernmost part of Japan and work their way North. They are in full bloom in Tokyo right now and should be in full bloom in Kansai (the region that includes Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Osaka) starting next week. Or atleast, that's what we've been told; some people are skeptical, however, because the weather has been SO funny this year. Yesterday it was 5 degrees and pouring rain, today it was 22 degrees and sunny. Go figure. Anyway, if we do manage to get to Kyoto you can bet I'll be taking lots of pictures and sending them on home for you to see.
That's about all for now. I'll keep you posted!
Monday, March 15, 2004
How could so much happen in just two days?! . . .
Yesterday was White Day in Japan; the "other half" of Valentine's Day. On February 14th, Valentine's Day, women here give the men chocolate, and on March 14th, White Day, men give the women chocolates. When I say chocolates, I don't mean a tiny $5 box of corner store chocolates; I mean, people here spend a FORTUNE on chocolates, and then spend even more money having them wrapped as fancily as possible. Some of the guys at work brought in chocolates and cakes for the female staff, which obviously we didn't complain about!
Yesterday after work I went to Shiama's Sayonara Party. She got into Law School in London and decided to go this year rather than deferring, which means she ended her contract with Nova and is on her way home tomorrow I believe. I've already been to 7 Sayonara parties in my six months here, and could have gone to many more in that time but decided not to when I didn't know the people very well. Sayonara parties are just what we do with this company; it's as routine as brushing one's teeth as the rate of turnover is so high. People are always coming and going; in fact, in the two days I spent at my new school last week, 6 new people started working at my home branch. Every time I show up there now, it seems, I'm staring at a new face. Anyway, as common as the goodbye parties are, they still never get any easier for me. I hate goodbyes at the best of times, but I was becoming quite close to Shiama and will miss her alot.
Two days ago Ali had a bit of an accident. She was cleaning her apartment and her room mate's snowboard fell off the wall and onto her face. She had to spend 3 hours in the hospital where doctors ran all sorts of tests and told her her skull was broken and that her brain was bleeding (none of which turned out to be the case). She did, however have a mild concussion and now has two very black eyes and a large gash on her forehead. I feel so bad for her. She is now going through the complete nightmare all foreigners have in hospitals here; it took her 2 hours today to ask the hospital staff for a receipt, so she can claim the money (which was astronomical, by the way - almost her entire paycheck) back from her insurance company in Canada. They gave a slip of paper, all in Japanese of course, that someone at work translated for her - it turns out it's not a receipt at all but just a list of some, but not all, of the tests she had done - with no prices. If her head weren't so sore already I think she'd be bashing it against the nearest wall right now. Ahhhh, the joys of being a gei-jin (foreigner) in Japan.
Of course everyone at work is feeling really sympathetic about Ali's misfortune, and you know me - I can't share all the attention. So I had a little bit of an accident myself, at work today. Don't ask me how (those of you who know me well won't even have to anyway!! ha ha), but I managed to ram my head into a classroom door today. I am now sporting a huge lump on my forehead, which is now starting to bruise as well. Looks like Ali and I are going to make quite a pair.
Lucky for me (ha ha), my six month observation was scheduled for the class immediately following the one in which I managed to crack my head. Despite my feeling extremely dizzy and fading in and out every now and then, the lesson went really well and my boss said I did a great job. I won't get the official feedback until the 29th of the month, as after a six month obs ALL the head teachers, ALL the Japanese staff, and ALL the head honchos in our area get together to discuss the results. Apparently that's also how I was chosen to teach at my new school (and every single person suggested me when asked who they thought should get to go to the new school - yay me!! - so I guess I shouldn't be too too worried about the results of today's performance. It's still hard not to be a teensy bit anxious - it's going to be a long two weeks.
As for me, that's about all that's new, other than my decision to stay longer than I had originally intended. Because it looks like I'm going to be offered a promotion, and because a promotion would look really good on my resume when I get home and decide to start my life-long career, I've decided to take full advantage of the opportunites being opened up for me here. I'd hate to get home and regret not finding out how far I could have gone. I don't ever want to say "I shoulda, coulda, woulda" - that's one of my new goals. The truth is, as much as I miss everyone, I really am thriving here and becoming proud of myself for the first time in my life. I've never really felt like I've done anything noteworthy or deserving of anyone's pride, and for the first time in my life I'm actually accomplishing something on my own and for myself - it's so rewarding. So yeah, I miss all of you like crazy, but I've also never been this happy in my entire life. Thank you for your continued support and please don't hate me because I'm staying!
Yesterday was White Day in Japan; the "other half" of Valentine's Day. On February 14th, Valentine's Day, women here give the men chocolate, and on March 14th, White Day, men give the women chocolates. When I say chocolates, I don't mean a tiny $5 box of corner store chocolates; I mean, people here spend a FORTUNE on chocolates, and then spend even more money having them wrapped as fancily as possible. Some of the guys at work brought in chocolates and cakes for the female staff, which obviously we didn't complain about!
Yesterday after work I went to Shiama's Sayonara Party. She got into Law School in London and decided to go this year rather than deferring, which means she ended her contract with Nova and is on her way home tomorrow I believe. I've already been to 7 Sayonara parties in my six months here, and could have gone to many more in that time but decided not to when I didn't know the people very well. Sayonara parties are just what we do with this company; it's as routine as brushing one's teeth as the rate of turnover is so high. People are always coming and going; in fact, in the two days I spent at my new school last week, 6 new people started working at my home branch. Every time I show up there now, it seems, I'm staring at a new face. Anyway, as common as the goodbye parties are, they still never get any easier for me. I hate goodbyes at the best of times, but I was becoming quite close to Shiama and will miss her alot.
Two days ago Ali had a bit of an accident. She was cleaning her apartment and her room mate's snowboard fell off the wall and onto her face. She had to spend 3 hours in the hospital where doctors ran all sorts of tests and told her her skull was broken and that her brain was bleeding (none of which turned out to be the case). She did, however have a mild concussion and now has two very black eyes and a large gash on her forehead. I feel so bad for her. She is now going through the complete nightmare all foreigners have in hospitals here; it took her 2 hours today to ask the hospital staff for a receipt, so she can claim the money (which was astronomical, by the way - almost her entire paycheck) back from her insurance company in Canada. They gave a slip of paper, all in Japanese of course, that someone at work translated for her - it turns out it's not a receipt at all but just a list of some, but not all, of the tests she had done - with no prices. If her head weren't so sore already I think she'd be bashing it against the nearest wall right now. Ahhhh, the joys of being a gei-jin (foreigner) in Japan.
Of course everyone at work is feeling really sympathetic about Ali's misfortune, and you know me - I can't share all the attention. So I had a little bit of an accident myself, at work today. Don't ask me how (those of you who know me well won't even have to anyway!! ha ha), but I managed to ram my head into a classroom door today. I am now sporting a huge lump on my forehead, which is now starting to bruise as well. Looks like Ali and I are going to make quite a pair.
Lucky for me (ha ha), my six month observation was scheduled for the class immediately following the one in which I managed to crack my head. Despite my feeling extremely dizzy and fading in and out every now and then, the lesson went really well and my boss said I did a great job. I won't get the official feedback until the 29th of the month, as after a six month obs ALL the head teachers, ALL the Japanese staff, and ALL the head honchos in our area get together to discuss the results. Apparently that's also how I was chosen to teach at my new school (and every single person suggested me when asked who they thought should get to go to the new school - yay me!! - so I guess I shouldn't be too too worried about the results of today's performance. It's still hard not to be a teensy bit anxious - it's going to be a long two weeks.
As for me, that's about all that's new, other than my decision to stay longer than I had originally intended. Because it looks like I'm going to be offered a promotion, and because a promotion would look really good on my resume when I get home and decide to start my life-long career, I've decided to take full advantage of the opportunites being opened up for me here. I'd hate to get home and regret not finding out how far I could have gone. I don't ever want to say "I shoulda, coulda, woulda" - that's one of my new goals. The truth is, as much as I miss everyone, I really am thriving here and becoming proud of myself for the first time in my life. I've never really felt like I've done anything noteworthy or deserving of anyone's pride, and for the first time in my life I'm actually accomplishing something on my own and for myself - it's so rewarding. So yeah, I miss all of you like crazy, but I've also never been this happy in my entire life. Thank you for your continued support and please don't hate me because I'm staying!
Friday, March 12, 2004
Japanese Musicals and "Man, am I good at my job" . . .
Hello! I'm back after a bit of a hiatus, as I had no new information. Today, however, I went to Takarazuka - the Japanese musical I told you about. The show is comprised of all female actors/dancers/singers, who even play the parts of men as necessary. I'll admit not understanding the language made it a bit frustrating at times, but the music and costumes were great, so I really enjoyed myself. Apparently this theater group also does ancient Japanese plays, with traditional period costumes, so we're planning to go back again in the summer to see them again. Today's show was about a love story set in 1914, although to my untrained eye nothing even remotely resembling a love story occurred - I wonder if it's only to do with the language barrier, or if I just don't understand what makes a good Japanese play. It was really good, don't get me wrong, but I think I missed the point. The second half, called Carribean Nights, was much better in my opinion - Carribean music, costumes and dancing. It was great!
As for my job, I promised an update about my new school, so here I go! A few days before I started there the Head Teacher at my branch showed me how to use the computer system because I'd need to at the new branch. (Someone told me after the fact that only "titled" instructors are allowed access to the computer systems at Nova, so I considered this an honour in and of itself). While she was teaching me the computer system, she turned to me and said "You know Meegan, it's really a shame that you aren't staying longer as there are a million opportunities here for you should you decide to stay." Then she told me that she and our boss, Michael, had had a meeting about me and were going to offer me a promotion to trainer if I could commit to being here for another six months. Obviously I'm giving it alot of thought now - I love the job and don't want to leave, it will look really good on my resume, and for someone with low self esteem, it feels really DAMN good to find something I'm good at.
When I finally started at my new branch, called Umeda Ekimae, I was amazed to see how beautiful and new it is. Doesn't even bare comparing to my other branch which is old, dicrepid, and falling apart in my opinion. There are only two Japanese staff members and myself there, and as it's our job to build up a clientelle there aren't any students actually studying there yet. Basically all I'm doing right now is administrative stuff and helping out the Japanese staff wherever possible. Those of you who got a huge kick out of my "Grimace" story will love this: on my first day there I had to dress up in a HUGE, puffy lime green Nova jacket with a huge bright pink Nova bunny on the back, go out in public, and pass out Nova ads. I'll get the staff to take a picture of me wearing it some time - I'll have to keep that in my archives for posterity's sake.
Yesterday, my second day there, my boss and the man who will be replacing him next week dropped by for a visit and to see how things were going. Fortunately I was really busy and hard at work when they showed up! A student for whom I had just done a demo lesson decided to sign on with Nova while they were there, which didn't hurt either! Yay me!
The two of them, Michael and Darrel, sat down to ask me how it was going and decided to keep me there for another month and possibly full time starting in May (woo hoo!!). They told me I had been chosen very carefully for the job because of my initiative and because the job really seems to matter to me. They also asked alot of questions about my plans and how long I'm planning to stay. I know they're testing the waters to see where my head is at and the trouble is, I just don't know. I'm thinking about staying longer, but I change my mind back and forth every day. Oh well, I don't actually have to make a concrete decision until they offer me a position, I just wish changing my mind all the time weren't affecting my boy. As they were leaving, Michael turned to me and said "the Japanese staff at Umeda Honko (that's my home branch) have been complaining about not having you there because they want you to be doing sales." I guess all my demo lessons ended with new students signing on. Who knew I could teach and sell? Sorry to brag SOOO much, but this feels so good - you have no idea. I really really like Sayako, my Japanese colleague at Ekimae with whom I also worked at Umeda Honko before she got transfered. I love all the Japanese staff at both branches, but I really hope I'll get to stay at Ekimae full time. Nothing could make me happier in terms of the job. Now all I need to make me really happy is for Jesse to quit his job, quit the band, sell the house, and move out here with me. You don't think that's asking too much, do you?! :)
Hello! I'm back after a bit of a hiatus, as I had no new information. Today, however, I went to Takarazuka - the Japanese musical I told you about. The show is comprised of all female actors/dancers/singers, who even play the parts of men as necessary. I'll admit not understanding the language made it a bit frustrating at times, but the music and costumes were great, so I really enjoyed myself. Apparently this theater group also does ancient Japanese plays, with traditional period costumes, so we're planning to go back again in the summer to see them again. Today's show was about a love story set in 1914, although to my untrained eye nothing even remotely resembling a love story occurred - I wonder if it's only to do with the language barrier, or if I just don't understand what makes a good Japanese play. It was really good, don't get me wrong, but I think I missed the point. The second half, called Carribean Nights, was much better in my opinion - Carribean music, costumes and dancing. It was great!
As for my job, I promised an update about my new school, so here I go! A few days before I started there the Head Teacher at my branch showed me how to use the computer system because I'd need to at the new branch. (Someone told me after the fact that only "titled" instructors are allowed access to the computer systems at Nova, so I considered this an honour in and of itself). While she was teaching me the computer system, she turned to me and said "You know Meegan, it's really a shame that you aren't staying longer as there are a million opportunities here for you should you decide to stay." Then she told me that she and our boss, Michael, had had a meeting about me and were going to offer me a promotion to trainer if I could commit to being here for another six months. Obviously I'm giving it alot of thought now - I love the job and don't want to leave, it will look really good on my resume, and for someone with low self esteem, it feels really DAMN good to find something I'm good at.
When I finally started at my new branch, called Umeda Ekimae, I was amazed to see how beautiful and new it is. Doesn't even bare comparing to my other branch which is old, dicrepid, and falling apart in my opinion. There are only two Japanese staff members and myself there, and as it's our job to build up a clientelle there aren't any students actually studying there yet. Basically all I'm doing right now is administrative stuff and helping out the Japanese staff wherever possible. Those of you who got a huge kick out of my "Grimace" story will love this: on my first day there I had to dress up in a HUGE, puffy lime green Nova jacket with a huge bright pink Nova bunny on the back, go out in public, and pass out Nova ads. I'll get the staff to take a picture of me wearing it some time - I'll have to keep that in my archives for posterity's sake.
Yesterday, my second day there, my boss and the man who will be replacing him next week dropped by for a visit and to see how things were going. Fortunately I was really busy and hard at work when they showed up! A student for whom I had just done a demo lesson decided to sign on with Nova while they were there, which didn't hurt either! Yay me!
The two of them, Michael and Darrel, sat down to ask me how it was going and decided to keep me there for another month and possibly full time starting in May (woo hoo!!). They told me I had been chosen very carefully for the job because of my initiative and because the job really seems to matter to me. They also asked alot of questions about my plans and how long I'm planning to stay. I know they're testing the waters to see where my head is at and the trouble is, I just don't know. I'm thinking about staying longer, but I change my mind back and forth every day. Oh well, I don't actually have to make a concrete decision until they offer me a position, I just wish changing my mind all the time weren't affecting my boy. As they were leaving, Michael turned to me and said "the Japanese staff at Umeda Honko (that's my home branch) have been complaining about not having you there because they want you to be doing sales." I guess all my demo lessons ended with new students signing on. Who knew I could teach and sell? Sorry to brag SOOO much, but this feels so good - you have no idea. I really really like Sayako, my Japanese colleague at Ekimae with whom I also worked at Umeda Honko before she got transfered. I love all the Japanese staff at both branches, but I really hope I'll get to stay at Ekimae full time. Nothing could make me happier in terms of the job. Now all I need to make me really happy is for Jesse to quit his job, quit the band, sell the house, and move out here with me. You don't think that's asking too much, do you?! :)
Saturday, March 06, 2004
Let it Snow . . .
You guessed it. Snow here again today. This is typical, as I packed up ALL of my winter clothes yesterday, sealed them in my vacuum bags, and stored them in my suitcases. Hmmph. They said it was going to start warming up and that spring was on its way, but au contraire. Mind you, if I hadn't packed up all my winter stuff it would probably have been in the 30s today - you just can't win!
I don't really have any big news, so this will be a really quick update. My room mate and I bought theater tickets to go to a traditional Japanese musical next Thursday. I'm really excited about it, as Japan is famous for its theater but I haven't seen any of it yet. The two most famous forms of Japanese theater are Noh and Kabuki, both of which I definitely have to see before I come home.
I missed the Doll Festival, otherwise known as Girl's Day, on March 3 because I was working. What a bummer - apparently the dolls put on display are really amazing.
Other than that, I have no other news. Today marks exactly 2 months since I started working out and I haven't yet missed a day! Woo hoo! I feel great!
You guessed it. Snow here again today. This is typical, as I packed up ALL of my winter clothes yesterday, sealed them in my vacuum bags, and stored them in my suitcases. Hmmph. They said it was going to start warming up and that spring was on its way, but au contraire. Mind you, if I hadn't packed up all my winter stuff it would probably have been in the 30s today - you just can't win!
I don't really have any big news, so this will be a really quick update. My room mate and I bought theater tickets to go to a traditional Japanese musical next Thursday. I'm really excited about it, as Japan is famous for its theater but I haven't seen any of it yet. The two most famous forms of Japanese theater are Noh and Kabuki, both of which I definitely have to see before I come home.
I missed the Doll Festival, otherwise known as Girl's Day, on March 3 because I was working. What a bummer - apparently the dolls put on display are really amazing.
Other than that, I have no other news. Today marks exactly 2 months since I started working out and I haven't yet missed a day! Woo hoo! I feel great!
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Girl's Night Out, Gifts, Weather and Long Lost Friends . . .
Well, here I am having survived a wild night out with Ali the party animal! We didn't make it until the first train, as planned, but I didn't roll into my apartment until 4 A.M., which still makes the night something of an achievement for me! I met the girls after work in Shinsaibashi (a trendy part of downtown Osaka), and we headed to a bar called 7 where we had a few rounds and chatted with the gorgeous Thai bartenders. Afterward, Ali took us to a really posh area in Osaka, to a bar called Cafe Absinthe. We had an amazing meal and really great drinks that the bartender made especially for us according to what he had judged about our personalities. Which meant that all night we each got different drinks, and, believe it or not, the drinks were perfect for each of us. I didn't know about the history of absinthe, or even what absinthe is, so he showed us some books about the history of the drink and it was really fascinating. The bar was REALLY trendy; monochromatic colours with lots of chrome, exposed lofted ceiling, black and white square dishes, rocks in the sinks in the bathroom - I loved it. Now I'm thinking about changing the look of our house, but don't tell Jesse that because he'll freak . . .
I'm feeling a little rough today. All I've done so far is make a quick trip to the store to recharge my phone card, and even though I've only been up for an hour I'm already feeling like I need a nap. Oh well, it's my day off so I can do whatever I want, right?! On the way to the store it was snowing!! Apparently there's an arctic front coming in from Siberia, so many places all over Japan are getting dumped on - unheard of for this time of year. What is happening to our planet? It's scary.
Tomorrow I'm off to try to find the new branch I'll be working at starting Monday, as I have no idea where it is and don't want to be running around panicing on Monday morning because I can't find the place!
As for presents, I forgot to mention yesterday that my students have been giving me lots of presents lately. On Tuesday I did an oral check for a sweet little old lady whose hobby is traditional Japanese ink painting - she gave me a gorgeous card that she had painted. It's going in the scrapbook I'm going to make when I get home. Also, a while ago I mentioned to one of my students that I'm having a hard time finding a particular gift that I really want to give Jesse, and I asked him if he knew where I could find it. He said he didn't but that he'd ask around. Well, yesterday, he caught me on my way out the door and GAVE me what I was looking for - he found it and wanted me to have it to give to Jesse. So I can't take any credit for the gift, but now I have it to give to him. Isn't that amazing? The Japanese are such generous gift givers! And finally, one of my favorite students asked me last week what my favorite colour was (blue), so now she's knitting me a beautiful blue scarf. We're not actually supposed to accept gifts from students, but on the other hand it's totally rude to NOT accept gifts from the Japanese, so we're not supposed to say no if they're offered (figure that one out).
Finally, my trainer found out I'm having a hell of a time finding Rie (my favorite exchange student from many years ago), and told me he's friends with the manager of the Osaka post offices. He told me to email him all the info I have about her, including last known address and phone number, maiden name and married name, and that he'd pass the info on to his friend who might be able to use the internal, private computer to try to find her for me! Isn't that exciting?! So I emailed him the information this morning when I got in from the bar, and now I'm waiting to see what will come of it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Wish me luck!
That's about all for now and I'm off to have a nap. All this typing has worn me out!! Ha ha.
Well, here I am having survived a wild night out with Ali the party animal! We didn't make it until the first train, as planned, but I didn't roll into my apartment until 4 A.M., which still makes the night something of an achievement for me! I met the girls after work in Shinsaibashi (a trendy part of downtown Osaka), and we headed to a bar called 7 where we had a few rounds and chatted with the gorgeous Thai bartenders. Afterward, Ali took us to a really posh area in Osaka, to a bar called Cafe Absinthe. We had an amazing meal and really great drinks that the bartender made especially for us according to what he had judged about our personalities. Which meant that all night we each got different drinks, and, believe it or not, the drinks were perfect for each of us. I didn't know about the history of absinthe, or even what absinthe is, so he showed us some books about the history of the drink and it was really fascinating. The bar was REALLY trendy; monochromatic colours with lots of chrome, exposed lofted ceiling, black and white square dishes, rocks in the sinks in the bathroom - I loved it. Now I'm thinking about changing the look of our house, but don't tell Jesse that because he'll freak . . .
I'm feeling a little rough today. All I've done so far is make a quick trip to the store to recharge my phone card, and even though I've only been up for an hour I'm already feeling like I need a nap. Oh well, it's my day off so I can do whatever I want, right?! On the way to the store it was snowing!! Apparently there's an arctic front coming in from Siberia, so many places all over Japan are getting dumped on - unheard of for this time of year. What is happening to our planet? It's scary.
Tomorrow I'm off to try to find the new branch I'll be working at starting Monday, as I have no idea where it is and don't want to be running around panicing on Monday morning because I can't find the place!
As for presents, I forgot to mention yesterday that my students have been giving me lots of presents lately. On Tuesday I did an oral check for a sweet little old lady whose hobby is traditional Japanese ink painting - she gave me a gorgeous card that she had painted. It's going in the scrapbook I'm going to make when I get home. Also, a while ago I mentioned to one of my students that I'm having a hard time finding a particular gift that I really want to give Jesse, and I asked him if he knew where I could find it. He said he didn't but that he'd ask around. Well, yesterday, he caught me on my way out the door and GAVE me what I was looking for - he found it and wanted me to have it to give to Jesse. So I can't take any credit for the gift, but now I have it to give to him. Isn't that amazing? The Japanese are such generous gift givers! And finally, one of my favorite students asked me last week what my favorite colour was (blue), so now she's knitting me a beautiful blue scarf. We're not actually supposed to accept gifts from students, but on the other hand it's totally rude to NOT accept gifts from the Japanese, so we're not supposed to say no if they're offered (figure that one out).
Finally, my trainer found out I'm having a hell of a time finding Rie (my favorite exchange student from many years ago), and told me he's friends with the manager of the Osaka post offices. He told me to email him all the info I have about her, including last known address and phone number, maiden name and married name, and that he'd pass the info on to his friend who might be able to use the internal, private computer to try to find her for me! Isn't that exciting?! So I emailed him the information this morning when I got in from the bar, and now I'm waiting to see what will come of it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Wish me luck!
That's about all for now and I'm off to have a nap. All this typing has worn me out!! Ha ha.
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Miscellany . . .
Not much new to report on my end of things, so this will be a quick update!
On Saturday night I went to a Mexican restaurant with Ali and some friends from work; we had a great meal and shared a few pitchers of Margueritas - yum!! I once heard someone say in a movie that Mexican food is an oxymoron; I now believe it's true. Those of you who know me well know what my stomach is like, so yeah, it was a GREAT meal, but I paid for it all night and got no sleep - right before Sunday's morning shift. It wasn't very fun.
Sunday morning for the first lesson of the day I had my very first "triple no-show," which means that all three students scheduled for the class didn't show up. It wasn't even supposed to be my lesson - the teacher who was supposed to teach it was late that day so they cancelled the Man-to-Man I was scheduled to do and had me take over the other teacher's lesson. Yay for me!! Triple-no-shows are very hard to come by around Nova; most of the teachers here have had one in maybe 2 or 3 years. Maybe none of you think it's a big deal, but for me it's become a huge bragging right and the competition continues.
Today I had my first day of sales at Nova, meaning now that I'm CAT trained I can do demo lessons, level checks, and 3 month oral checks. Of course I was a little nervous at first because I had never done it before, but I'm relieved that I finally got to try and to practice because, as I've said before, that's all I'll be doing starting next week when I go to the new branch (which, apparently, still hasn't been completed - should be interesting).
Tomorrow night after work I'm going out with Ali and Shiama (pronounced Shy-ma). When Shiama heard that I love tequila she challenged me to a night of tequila shooters and I took her up on it. Now, lets be realistic. I don't drink alot, so there's no doubt in my mind that she'll win which means I'll probably "give up" long before she does, but it should be a fun night anyway. Because I work until 9 and the last trains leave the stations at midnight, we've decided to pull an allnighter until the first trains start running at 6 the next morning. Thankfully I actually have a 2 day weekend this week, so I'll be able to recoup. I hope. I'm not going to complain about how crappy I feel after the fact, because I know all of you will tell me it's my own fault.
Momma: Thank you for taping the Oscars for me.
Jess: I'll email tomorrow - very tired tonight.
Barb & Frank: Hope the unpacking is going well. Pass on my best wishes to J&J too please!!
David: Thankyou for the long update - I owe you an email and will send one on the weekend.
Dad: The letter to Rie got sent back - no dice. They don't have a forwarding address for her. :(
Not much new to report on my end of things, so this will be a quick update!
On Saturday night I went to a Mexican restaurant with Ali and some friends from work; we had a great meal and shared a few pitchers of Margueritas - yum!! I once heard someone say in a movie that Mexican food is an oxymoron; I now believe it's true. Those of you who know me well know what my stomach is like, so yeah, it was a GREAT meal, but I paid for it all night and got no sleep - right before Sunday's morning shift. It wasn't very fun.
Sunday morning for the first lesson of the day I had my very first "triple no-show," which means that all three students scheduled for the class didn't show up. It wasn't even supposed to be my lesson - the teacher who was supposed to teach it was late that day so they cancelled the Man-to-Man I was scheduled to do and had me take over the other teacher's lesson. Yay for me!! Triple-no-shows are very hard to come by around Nova; most of the teachers here have had one in maybe 2 or 3 years. Maybe none of you think it's a big deal, but for me it's become a huge bragging right and the competition continues.
Today I had my first day of sales at Nova, meaning now that I'm CAT trained I can do demo lessons, level checks, and 3 month oral checks. Of course I was a little nervous at first because I had never done it before, but I'm relieved that I finally got to try and to practice because, as I've said before, that's all I'll be doing starting next week when I go to the new branch (which, apparently, still hasn't been completed - should be interesting).
Tomorrow night after work I'm going out with Ali and Shiama (pronounced Shy-ma). When Shiama heard that I love tequila she challenged me to a night of tequila shooters and I took her up on it. Now, lets be realistic. I don't drink alot, so there's no doubt in my mind that she'll win which means I'll probably "give up" long before she does, but it should be a fun night anyway. Because I work until 9 and the last trains leave the stations at midnight, we've decided to pull an allnighter until the first trains start running at 6 the next morning. Thankfully I actually have a 2 day weekend this week, so I'll be able to recoup. I hope. I'm not going to complain about how crappy I feel after the fact, because I know all of you will tell me it's my own fault.
Momma: Thank you for taping the Oscars for me.
Jess: I'll email tomorrow - very tired tonight.
Barb & Frank: Hope the unpacking is going well. Pass on my best wishes to J&J too please!!
David: Thankyou for the long update - I owe you an email and will send one on the weekend.
Dad: The letter to Rie got sent back - no dice. They don't have a forwarding address for her. :(
