Japan_Bound
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Relaxing vacations? . . .
Well I haven't updated in quite a few days because we've been so busy toodling around Japan. I've been a little lazy and I apologize!
Can't remember what we did on the 23rd but on the 24th we took a looooong train ride to Himeji to see Himeji Castle - it was MD's favourite spot so far. It was, of course, my 3rd visit to the castle but it was just as good this time around as it was the other times. We even saw the cat I'd seen the previous two times! We got there a little late and therefore couldn't tour the entire castle as some of it was closed off at that point, but fortunately MD got to see the best parts and tour the grounds and such. It was so dark and quiet inside - only a few other visitors - that we talked about how neat it would have been if the staff accidentally locked us in and we got to spend Christmas Eve in a medieval castle. Anyway, we did have to catch the train back because Jess had to work that night. So MD and I left Jess at work and went to McDoo's for Christmas Eve dinner. We came home and watched a movie, stuffed the stockings, and went to bed exhausted.
Christmas day was great although we were all suffering from a doozie of a cold by that point. Jess and I got spoiled rotten with gifts from home; MD brought lots of food we'd asked for, socks and clothes, and Barb and Frank also sent clothes and books (all things we'd been desperately hoping for, so we scored big time). Thanks also to Tanya for the gravy and onion soup packets! After cleaning up the mountain of wrapping paper we all went back to bed until 2 at which point we watched another movie and then got ready to go out for dinner. Our dinner was wonderful - an 8 course yuuuummmy meal that we really enjoyed. We had: a free alcoholic beverage, crab cakes, roasted balsamic chicken, sea food plate, balsamic salad with pine nuts, carbanera pasta, corn soup, steak with gravy and roasted potatoes, strawberry and chocolate cake, and tea/coffee. It was fantastic - not turkey, but fantastic - and we barely rolled out of there awake enough to make it home. Jess got ready for work and the rest of us hit the hay.
Boxing Day was interesting too. We slept in and decided to spend the day relaxing. Mom had lost a filling and a tooth was badly slicing her tongue so we spent the morning trying to find an open dentist to no avail as it was a Sunday. Our local pharmacist went across the street to knock on the dentist's door and see if there was anything that could be done (people are so wonderful and helpful here). The dentist's wife answered the door and explained that her husband was out but that we could come back first thing Monday morning and he would see mom then. So while MD stayed home to relax Jess and I headed over to Jusco (like Wal-Mart) to find some stuff for mom to put on her tongue until we could get her to the dentist on Monday morning. We'd never seen Jusco so busy - totally like Boxing Day, although they don't actually celebrate that here. After finding some stuff for mom we decided to head upstairs to the food court to have some lunch when, lo and behold, we found an open dental clinic. So we raced home, grabbed mom, and D and I took her to the clinic where they agreed to see her right away. The fact that mom was willing to go AND walked very quickly to get there suggests how much pain she was in as normally she HATES dentists and won't get within 50 feet of one. The dentist ended up being really friendly and spoke some English, so after a mix of his broken English, my broken Japanese, the use of my ever-handy dictionary, lots of body language and jumping up and down, we managed to communicate what was wrong and he fixed M right up. She's 100% better and very glad we went.
Yesterday we were all feeling much better and took a train into Osaka so I could show MD my old 'hood. We toured my old apartment and neighbourhood and it was really neat because my name is still on the door and mailbox placards for the old Nova apartment - proof I'd actually lived there at one time! After walking around for a bit I took everyone to my favourite ramen restaurant - hadn't been there since well before I moved here, so it was really nice to be back. And the ramen there is the best I've had, so that part was great too. Then we took the subway back to Umeda so Jess and D could use the Citibank machine (all bank machines, banks, ATMs and most convenience stores close for New Year's week here - from Dec. 28 to Jan. 6, so one has to make sure one has enough cash to last that long or one is majorly screwed). When we got home Jess had to get ready and go to work after which MD and I watched another movie and then hit the hay.
Today we got up extra early and took a train to Nara so MD could see Toddai-ji; that's the largest wooden structure in the world that I've mentioned having been to before. We spent alot of time just enjoying the nature and walking through the park feeding the deer (who insisted on ramming my legs to the point where I now have bruises and on trying to eat our jackets). MD really enjoyed seeing the temple and remarked how amazing it is to be seeing something I'd mentioned and sent pictures about. They also said that words and pictures are great but can't prepare you for how big or beautiful something is - they were awestricken just as I was the first time I saw it. MD shopped around at all the little stalls that line the roads there and then went to an okinomiyaki place for lunch - mom loves okonomiyaki and has been dying to try it here where it's authentic. The staff cooked it right at the table and MD had a great time. Jess and I were absolutely exhausted from having only had about 3 hours of sleep, so we left MD to do some shopping and meandering and headed back here to have a nap (believe me, we were so tired that that's really all we did). When MD got back they discovered that I had curled up in my futon (well, mom's for the time being) with Rusty-the-cat and that I was not moving. Later the three of us went out for dinner while Jess stayed home and continued to sleep - he's awake now at 11:30 and will probably stay that way well into the wee hours of the morning.
Tomorrow we'll either go to Kobe to walk around the harbor or Gion in Kyoto to see the Geisha and wander around the shops. We'll see what everyone's up to in the morning. That's all for now! Hope everyone is enjoying the Holidays! We miss you . . .
Well I haven't updated in quite a few days because we've been so busy toodling around Japan. I've been a little lazy and I apologize!
Can't remember what we did on the 23rd but on the 24th we took a looooong train ride to Himeji to see Himeji Castle - it was MD's favourite spot so far. It was, of course, my 3rd visit to the castle but it was just as good this time around as it was the other times. We even saw the cat I'd seen the previous two times! We got there a little late and therefore couldn't tour the entire castle as some of it was closed off at that point, but fortunately MD got to see the best parts and tour the grounds and such. It was so dark and quiet inside - only a few other visitors - that we talked about how neat it would have been if the staff accidentally locked us in and we got to spend Christmas Eve in a medieval castle. Anyway, we did have to catch the train back because Jess had to work that night. So MD and I left Jess at work and went to McDoo's for Christmas Eve dinner. We came home and watched a movie, stuffed the stockings, and went to bed exhausted.
Christmas day was great although we were all suffering from a doozie of a cold by that point. Jess and I got spoiled rotten with gifts from home; MD brought lots of food we'd asked for, socks and clothes, and Barb and Frank also sent clothes and books (all things we'd been desperately hoping for, so we scored big time). Thanks also to Tanya for the gravy and onion soup packets! After cleaning up the mountain of wrapping paper we all went back to bed until 2 at which point we watched another movie and then got ready to go out for dinner. Our dinner was wonderful - an 8 course yuuuummmy meal that we really enjoyed. We had: a free alcoholic beverage, crab cakes, roasted balsamic chicken, sea food plate, balsamic salad with pine nuts, carbanera pasta, corn soup, steak with gravy and roasted potatoes, strawberry and chocolate cake, and tea/coffee. It was fantastic - not turkey, but fantastic - and we barely rolled out of there awake enough to make it home. Jess got ready for work and the rest of us hit the hay.
Boxing Day was interesting too. We slept in and decided to spend the day relaxing. Mom had lost a filling and a tooth was badly slicing her tongue so we spent the morning trying to find an open dentist to no avail as it was a Sunday. Our local pharmacist went across the street to knock on the dentist's door and see if there was anything that could be done (people are so wonderful and helpful here). The dentist's wife answered the door and explained that her husband was out but that we could come back first thing Monday morning and he would see mom then. So while MD stayed home to relax Jess and I headed over to Jusco (like Wal-Mart) to find some stuff for mom to put on her tongue until we could get her to the dentist on Monday morning. We'd never seen Jusco so busy - totally like Boxing Day, although they don't actually celebrate that here. After finding some stuff for mom we decided to head upstairs to the food court to have some lunch when, lo and behold, we found an open dental clinic. So we raced home, grabbed mom, and D and I took her to the clinic where they agreed to see her right away. The fact that mom was willing to go AND walked very quickly to get there suggests how much pain she was in as normally she HATES dentists and won't get within 50 feet of one. The dentist ended up being really friendly and spoke some English, so after a mix of his broken English, my broken Japanese, the use of my ever-handy dictionary, lots of body language and jumping up and down, we managed to communicate what was wrong and he fixed M right up. She's 100% better and very glad we went.
Yesterday we were all feeling much better and took a train into Osaka so I could show MD my old 'hood. We toured my old apartment and neighbourhood and it was really neat because my name is still on the door and mailbox placards for the old Nova apartment - proof I'd actually lived there at one time! After walking around for a bit I took everyone to my favourite ramen restaurant - hadn't been there since well before I moved here, so it was really nice to be back. And the ramen there is the best I've had, so that part was great too. Then we took the subway back to Umeda so Jess and D could use the Citibank machine (all bank machines, banks, ATMs and most convenience stores close for New Year's week here - from Dec. 28 to Jan. 6, so one has to make sure one has enough cash to last that long or one is majorly screwed). When we got home Jess had to get ready and go to work after which MD and I watched another movie and then hit the hay.
Today we got up extra early and took a train to Nara so MD could see Toddai-ji; that's the largest wooden structure in the world that I've mentioned having been to before. We spent alot of time just enjoying the nature and walking through the park feeding the deer (who insisted on ramming my legs to the point where I now have bruises and on trying to eat our jackets). MD really enjoyed seeing the temple and remarked how amazing it is to be seeing something I'd mentioned and sent pictures about. They also said that words and pictures are great but can't prepare you for how big or beautiful something is - they were awestricken just as I was the first time I saw it. MD shopped around at all the little stalls that line the roads there and then went to an okinomiyaki place for lunch - mom loves okonomiyaki and has been dying to try it here where it's authentic. The staff cooked it right at the table and MD had a great time. Jess and I were absolutely exhausted from having only had about 3 hours of sleep, so we left MD to do some shopping and meandering and headed back here to have a nap (believe me, we were so tired that that's really all we did). When MD got back they discovered that I had curled up in my futon (well, mom's for the time being) with Rusty-the-cat and that I was not moving. Later the three of us went out for dinner while Jess stayed home and continued to sleep - he's awake now at 11:30 and will probably stay that way well into the wee hours of the morning.
Tomorrow we'll either go to Kobe to walk around the harbor or Gion in Kyoto to see the Geisha and wander around the shops. We'll see what everyone's up to in the morning. That's all for now! Hope everyone is enjoying the Holidays! We miss you . . .
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Sniff, sniff . . .
Yesterday sucked, full stop. Yumika and I took Ali to the airport and ended up crying for about 3 hours straight. When I finally got back to the city and met up with Jesse and MD my eyes were swollen and I couldn't breathe. Later we went to the Thai restaurant for dinner and everyone really enjoyed the meal. To end the evening we took MD to the top of the Sky Building where they too were awestricken by the view of Osaka.
Today Jess and I are feeling a bit under the weather with colds so we stayed home to relax while MD trekked into Kyoto on their own to do some shopping. I had a nice long nap and Jess watched some West Wing until MD came home (they didn't get lost!). D and I rode our bikes to pick up some dinner, which we just finished, and pretty soon we're going to watch a movie before hitting the hay. Tomorrow we're going to Kobe with Yumi and Natsue - can't wait for MD to meet them!
Yesterday sucked, full stop. Yumika and I took Ali to the airport and ended up crying for about 3 hours straight. When I finally got back to the city and met up with Jesse and MD my eyes were swollen and I couldn't breathe. Later we went to the Thai restaurant for dinner and everyone really enjoyed the meal. To end the evening we took MD to the top of the Sky Building where they too were awestricken by the view of Osaka.
Today Jess and I are feeling a bit under the weather with colds so we stayed home to relax while MD trekked into Kyoto on their own to do some shopping. I had a nice long nap and Jess watched some West Wing until MD came home (they didn't get lost!). D and I rode our bikes to pick up some dinner, which we just finished, and pretty soon we're going to watch a movie before hitting the hay. Tomorrow we're going to Kobe with Yumi and Natsue - can't wait for MD to meet them!
Monday, December 20, 2004
Irashaie masei (welcome) . . .
Well here I am, finally updating again!
My mom and David arrived 45 mins. late on Friday which left Jess and I pacing the airport, but that hug when I finally saw them was well worth it. We caught a rapid train from Kansai airport to Kyoto and then a local train from Kyoto to Nishioji; our home station. From there we caught a cab back to the house and got stuck with an irascible, totally rude and crabby cabby (ha ha) who booked it through our narrow streets, almost killing us several times. Upon arriving (thank God in one piece) back at the house, we had spaghetti and meatballs for supper, chatted for a bit, and then mom and David hit the hay - obviously they were exhausted.
Saturday I had to work, but we all got up and went to Mister Donut for breakfast and wandered around our local supermarket/K-mart type family store before I had to catch a train to work. Apparently Jess and the 'rents spent the afternoon walking around and made a trip into Kyoto to have a look around JR Kyoto station (as I've mentioned before, it's an architectural wonder and apparently they enjoyed it). That night David met me at the train station and we walked back to the house together; mom was sleeping and Jess had already gone to work by that time.
Yesterday, Sunday, David walked me to the train station and I headed off for my last day of work before my vacation started. My day was pretty good - one No Show and 2 free lessons, plus a class with my favourite Kinders, so all-in-all, although it dragged, it was an easy day to get through. I finished at 7 and shortly afterward Jess dropped my mom and David (hereafter referred to as MD) off to see my school and he headed back to go to work. I got to show MD where I work and now they'll have a visual whenever I explain anything that happened at work. After that the three of us caught the train back to our home station and went to our local yakitori place for dinner. There we met a fellow who could speak English; he instantly adopted us because he was wearing a Yankees sweater and David was wearing his Yankees cap. A fun time was had by all and when we left our new friend asked us to come back and see him there again - hopefully when next we eat there we'll actually bump into him.
Today David got up earlier than everyone (as he always does) and went for a long bike ride around the neighborhood. Jess was sleeping so I went upstairs and crawled in bed with my mom and we talked for over an hour. I'm 26 but it was still wonderful to curl up in bed and chat with my mommy - I hope I never outgrow that! When David got back he brought Mister Donuts so we all ate breakfast before heading off to Kyoto. While waiting for the bus in Kyoto that would take us to the Golden Pavillion (the one temple I wanted my mom to see before any others), an older fellow started talking to us. His English was quite good and since he lives right near the temple he offered to come along if we didn't mind and give some explanations about the temple and grounds. We didn't mind at all! Quite the contrary - we were thrilled. So mom finally saw the one temple she's always wanted to see, Jess and David were really impressed with its beauty as well, and we had a personal guided tour with explanations of everything - it was really wonderful and we learned so much that we would never have known without Yukio's help. After touring the grounds we all sat down and enjoyed a picnic lunch that we had prepared before leaving the house today. At the end David and Yukio exchanged business cards and we all agreed to keep in touch. We came home and MD finally met Rusty the cat, who proceeded to curl up with David for a couple of hours to have his nap after feasting on some lovely tuna (I can't help it). Jess and I had a cat nap while MD read upstairs, then we all walked to L.A. Mart, the local restaurant where Jess and I go atleast once a week for the best pasta we've ever had. Dinner was really good and, as Jess and I are regular customers recognized by all the staff, we were served some amazing complimentary chocolate cake for dessert - the service here is extraordinary. We had a great time and, while there, noticed some posters on display about the Christmas dinner they're having - we asked what was going to be served and, as everything sounds wonderful, made a reservation to have Christmas dinner there at 5:30 on the 25th. Jess has to work at 8, so the timing is perfect PLUS no one has to sweat over a hot stove or wash dishes - we couldn't be happier about the arrangements (although Jess and I would love a slice of turkey with gravy right about now, so have some extra Christmas din for us please!). After dinner we came home to watch a movie and now everyone is in bed - they're exhausted.
Tomorrow I'm getting up early to spend the day with Ali before heading to the airport with her to see her off. That's gonna suck.
Jess is going to show MD downtown Osaka and take David to buy a guitar that Michael wants which can only be purchased in Japan. When I get back to Osaka after seeing Ali off we're all going to meet up and have dinner at our fave Thai restaurant; this will kill two birds with one stone as I can show MD the place where I used to work and take them to one of my frequent haunts. After dinner, as a surprise, Jess and I are going to take MD to the sky building to show them the incredible view - I'm sure they'll be just as awestruck as we were the first time we went, and hopefully the weather will get better as right now it's pouring like crazy.
As for me, I'm off to bed myself as I too am exhausted and have to get up early to get to Osaka in time to spend some quality time with Ali.
Will report back later!
Well here I am, finally updating again!
My mom and David arrived 45 mins. late on Friday which left Jess and I pacing the airport, but that hug when I finally saw them was well worth it. We caught a rapid train from Kansai airport to Kyoto and then a local train from Kyoto to Nishioji; our home station. From there we caught a cab back to the house and got stuck with an irascible, totally rude and crabby cabby (ha ha) who booked it through our narrow streets, almost killing us several times. Upon arriving (thank God in one piece) back at the house, we had spaghetti and meatballs for supper, chatted for a bit, and then mom and David hit the hay - obviously they were exhausted.
Saturday I had to work, but we all got up and went to Mister Donut for breakfast and wandered around our local supermarket/K-mart type family store before I had to catch a train to work. Apparently Jess and the 'rents spent the afternoon walking around and made a trip into Kyoto to have a look around JR Kyoto station (as I've mentioned before, it's an architectural wonder and apparently they enjoyed it). That night David met me at the train station and we walked back to the house together; mom was sleeping and Jess had already gone to work by that time.
Yesterday, Sunday, David walked me to the train station and I headed off for my last day of work before my vacation started. My day was pretty good - one No Show and 2 free lessons, plus a class with my favourite Kinders, so all-in-all, although it dragged, it was an easy day to get through. I finished at 7 and shortly afterward Jess dropped my mom and David (hereafter referred to as MD) off to see my school and he headed back to go to work. I got to show MD where I work and now they'll have a visual whenever I explain anything that happened at work. After that the three of us caught the train back to our home station and went to our local yakitori place for dinner. There we met a fellow who could speak English; he instantly adopted us because he was wearing a Yankees sweater and David was wearing his Yankees cap. A fun time was had by all and when we left our new friend asked us to come back and see him there again - hopefully when next we eat there we'll actually bump into him.
Today David got up earlier than everyone (as he always does) and went for a long bike ride around the neighborhood. Jess was sleeping so I went upstairs and crawled in bed with my mom and we talked for over an hour. I'm 26 but it was still wonderful to curl up in bed and chat with my mommy - I hope I never outgrow that! When David got back he brought Mister Donuts so we all ate breakfast before heading off to Kyoto. While waiting for the bus in Kyoto that would take us to the Golden Pavillion (the one temple I wanted my mom to see before any others), an older fellow started talking to us. His English was quite good and since he lives right near the temple he offered to come along if we didn't mind and give some explanations about the temple and grounds. We didn't mind at all! Quite the contrary - we were thrilled. So mom finally saw the one temple she's always wanted to see, Jess and David were really impressed with its beauty as well, and we had a personal guided tour with explanations of everything - it was really wonderful and we learned so much that we would never have known without Yukio's help. After touring the grounds we all sat down and enjoyed a picnic lunch that we had prepared before leaving the house today. At the end David and Yukio exchanged business cards and we all agreed to keep in touch. We came home and MD finally met Rusty the cat, who proceeded to curl up with David for a couple of hours to have his nap after feasting on some lovely tuna (I can't help it). Jess and I had a cat nap while MD read upstairs, then we all walked to L.A. Mart, the local restaurant where Jess and I go atleast once a week for the best pasta we've ever had. Dinner was really good and, as Jess and I are regular customers recognized by all the staff, we were served some amazing complimentary chocolate cake for dessert - the service here is extraordinary. We had a great time and, while there, noticed some posters on display about the Christmas dinner they're having - we asked what was going to be served and, as everything sounds wonderful, made a reservation to have Christmas dinner there at 5:30 on the 25th. Jess has to work at 8, so the timing is perfect PLUS no one has to sweat over a hot stove or wash dishes - we couldn't be happier about the arrangements (although Jess and I would love a slice of turkey with gravy right about now, so have some extra Christmas din for us please!). After dinner we came home to watch a movie and now everyone is in bed - they're exhausted.
Tomorrow I'm getting up early to spend the day with Ali before heading to the airport with her to see her off. That's gonna suck.
Jess is going to show MD downtown Osaka and take David to buy a guitar that Michael wants which can only be purchased in Japan. When I get back to Osaka after seeing Ali off we're all going to meet up and have dinner at our fave Thai restaurant; this will kill two birds with one stone as I can show MD the place where I used to work and take them to one of my frequent haunts. After dinner, as a surprise, Jess and I are going to take MD to the sky building to show them the incredible view - I'm sure they'll be just as awestruck as we were the first time we went, and hopefully the weather will get better as right now it's pouring like crazy.
As for me, I'm off to bed myself as I too am exhausted and have to get up early to get to Osaka in time to spend some quality time with Ali.
Will report back later!
Friday, December 17, 2004
Suzie Homemaker . . .
As most of you know by now, my mom and David are on their way here right this minute! Which means I have to make a good impression and convince my mom that we don't live like slobs. Hence the title, Suzie Homemaker. I've been cleaning and doing laundry for the past 3 days. We did a huge grocery shop yesterday so they don't think our fridge is always empty, we washed every article of clothing in sight so they don't think our laundry hamper stays full for weeks on end, we washed every dish so they don't think we leave dishes piled up in the sink . . . I'm sure you're getting the picture. As David demanded spaghetti and meatballs (his favorite) I also whipped up a batch to serve when they get to the house tomorrow. Man, I'm a good homemaker. (HA HA HA . . .)
Anyway, I'm exhausted from all this cleaning but, now that we're finally done, I have a moment to sit down and relax, which is why I'm taking a moment to update the blog.
I've been really busy at work since I'll be off for 3 1/2 weeks - last minute paperwork and the usual administrative stuff. And I got up REALLY early (well, wayyy earlier than I normally would on my day off) to go to the local hair salon for a haircut. I took a picture in this time and actually got what I wanted; Jess has complimented me several times so it must be a good cut.
Phew - I know this wasn't a long blog, but now that I've had a chance to sit down I can actually feel how tired I am, which means it's time for me to get to bed. Jess is at work until 1 A.M., poor guy. We have to get up early to make it to the airport in time! Will keep you posted. Hope everyone's enjoying the Christmas season!
As most of you know by now, my mom and David are on their way here right this minute! Which means I have to make a good impression and convince my mom that we don't live like slobs. Hence the title, Suzie Homemaker. I've been cleaning and doing laundry for the past 3 days. We did a huge grocery shop yesterday so they don't think our fridge is always empty, we washed every article of clothing in sight so they don't think our laundry hamper stays full for weeks on end, we washed every dish so they don't think we leave dishes piled up in the sink . . . I'm sure you're getting the picture. As David demanded spaghetti and meatballs (his favorite) I also whipped up a batch to serve when they get to the house tomorrow. Man, I'm a good homemaker. (HA HA HA . . .)
Anyway, I'm exhausted from all this cleaning but, now that we're finally done, I have a moment to sit down and relax, which is why I'm taking a moment to update the blog.
I've been really busy at work since I'll be off for 3 1/2 weeks - last minute paperwork and the usual administrative stuff. And I got up REALLY early (well, wayyy earlier than I normally would on my day off) to go to the local hair salon for a haircut. I took a picture in this time and actually got what I wanted; Jess has complimented me several times so it must be a good cut.
Phew - I know this wasn't a long blog, but now that I've had a chance to sit down I can actually feel how tired I am, which means it's time for me to get to bed. Jess is at work until 1 A.M., poor guy. We have to get up early to make it to the airport in time! Will keep you posted. Hope everyone's enjoying the Christmas season!
Monday, December 06, 2004
Hodgepodge . . .
Since I last updated a few interesting things have happened!
The first is that Jesse finally experienced his first earthquake here. We were watching T.V. shows that we'd downloaded (we're really into Desperate Housewives right now which, contrary to Jesse's opinion upon hearing the title, is a great show - very funny) when all of a sudden Jesse dragged me off the couch and had me under the kitchen table almost before I'd even noticed we were actually having an earthquake. I was impressed with his quick thinking and the fact that he took care of me first - awwww. It was pretty big but, fortunately, was also over pretty quickly; it still left me pretty shaken up though (hardy, har, har).
Last night I went into Osaka to have dinner with Raphaele - she's my ex-room mate from the Nova apartment. We had a great meal at one of my favourite restaurants - the Thai place in Umeda I've mentioned several times. The food is amazing and I can't wait to take any one who comes to visit (hint hint Barb and Frank).
Jesse and I have decided to try out a healthy lifestyle and to that end have given up junk food and started an exercise regime. We've been eating really well and feeling really good, as well as getting up early to go for runs around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, as usual, my shin splints are acting up which means I have to rest them and start doing the stretching exercises my doctor recommended for several weeks before I can start running again. That sucks, because I love running and we've really been enjoying how good we feel. On the bright side we still have our bikes which means we'll be going for bike rides until I can start running again. I love having a work-out buddy! And believe me, if you ever want to go on a diet or start eating well, hire Jesse to monitor what you eat - he's the little white angel on my shoulder who constantly battles the little red devil that says "Meegan, you want chocolate and chips and candy and McDonalds . . . mwa ha ha . . .".
Last but certainly not least, is the story Jess told me when he got home from work last night, or early this morning rather. The first thing he said was that I would have sooooo wanted his job last night and that I'd never guess who came in to sing karaoke. Anyway, it turns out a maiko (young Geisha-in-training) in full regalia came in with her oka-san (mother/aunt/caretaker/assistant/secretary - you name it, a Geisha's oka-san does it) and some friends. Since most of you know how obsessed I am with all things related to Geisha, you can well imagine how jealous I was. However, some slight differences between a woman's memory for details and a man's memory for details came to light when I asked him to describe everything she was wearing etc. All I got was "I think her kimono might have been blue and she had the full hair-thing going." And when I asked if she was wearing the white face make-up he couldn't remember. I was flabergasted! OK, so if he'd forgotten what he ate on March 18th, 1996, I'd understand. And if he couldn't remember if it had rained or not on his 4th birthday, I'd understand. (I'm a very understanding person). However, it seems pretty impossible not to remember whether or not someone's entire face and neck were covered by thick coats of white paint. He even remembers that she was beautiful, which is proof that he actually looked at her face. Thick white paint everywhere? Someone either was or wasn't. GEESH!!! Never send a man in when you want details - that's the lesson of the day.
Since I last updated a few interesting things have happened!
The first is that Jesse finally experienced his first earthquake here. We were watching T.V. shows that we'd downloaded (we're really into Desperate Housewives right now which, contrary to Jesse's opinion upon hearing the title, is a great show - very funny) when all of a sudden Jesse dragged me off the couch and had me under the kitchen table almost before I'd even noticed we were actually having an earthquake. I was impressed with his quick thinking and the fact that he took care of me first - awwww. It was pretty big but, fortunately, was also over pretty quickly; it still left me pretty shaken up though (hardy, har, har).
Last night I went into Osaka to have dinner with Raphaele - she's my ex-room mate from the Nova apartment. We had a great meal at one of my favourite restaurants - the Thai place in Umeda I've mentioned several times. The food is amazing and I can't wait to take any one who comes to visit (hint hint Barb and Frank).
Jesse and I have decided to try out a healthy lifestyle and to that end have given up junk food and started an exercise regime. We've been eating really well and feeling really good, as well as getting up early to go for runs around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, as usual, my shin splints are acting up which means I have to rest them and start doing the stretching exercises my doctor recommended for several weeks before I can start running again. That sucks, because I love running and we've really been enjoying how good we feel. On the bright side we still have our bikes which means we'll be going for bike rides until I can start running again. I love having a work-out buddy! And believe me, if you ever want to go on a diet or start eating well, hire Jesse to monitor what you eat - he's the little white angel on my shoulder who constantly battles the little red devil that says "Meegan, you want chocolate and chips and candy and McDonalds . . . mwa ha ha . . .".
Last but certainly not least, is the story Jess told me when he got home from work last night, or early this morning rather. The first thing he said was that I would have sooooo wanted his job last night and that I'd never guess who came in to sing karaoke. Anyway, it turns out a maiko (young Geisha-in-training) in full regalia came in with her oka-san (mother/aunt/caretaker/assistant/secretary - you name it, a Geisha's oka-san does it) and some friends. Since most of you know how obsessed I am with all things related to Geisha, you can well imagine how jealous I was. However, some slight differences between a woman's memory for details and a man's memory for details came to light when I asked him to describe everything she was wearing etc. All I got was "I think her kimono might have been blue and she had the full hair-thing going." And when I asked if she was wearing the white face make-up he couldn't remember. I was flabergasted! OK, so if he'd forgotten what he ate on March 18th, 1996, I'd understand. And if he couldn't remember if it had rained or not on his 4th birthday, I'd understand. (I'm a very understanding person). However, it seems pretty impossible not to remember whether or not someone's entire face and neck were covered by thick coats of white paint. He even remembers that she was beautiful, which is proof that he actually looked at her face. Thick white paint everywhere? Someone either was or wasn't. GEESH!!! Never send a man in when you want details - that's the lesson of the day.
