Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
It's go time
A week that looked initially easy turned out to be quite exhausting. In a good way, though. All I can say is I hope it is cloudy tomorrow morning and I can sleep in. It is hard to sleep in when the sun pours through my blinds and cooks my little room.
So yeah, I guess I will back up to last weekend. It was an eventful one, there was a lot going on. We started off on Friday with a friend hang out sesh which continued into Saturday as we made our way to Yatishiro for the biggest fireworks festival on this side of Japan. It lasted about two hours and during this time we watched on our blanket in the summeresque night and wandered through the heavy crowds, searching for greasy festival food as the bright lights from the tents lit up the area and made it visable for miles. The fireworks were incredible--hundreds of giant explosions in brilliant colors and shapes that rattled in your chest and made your ears ring. It was one of the best and of course the biggest shows I have ever seen. At one point I could not tell you how many were in the sky. I just couldn't even count in the time they all exploded and faded away.
After I stuffed myself with Japanese goodness we headed back with the masses of people and because we couldn't even find the end of the line for the train, we reluctantly decided on an expensive taxi ride home. The next day we got up bright and early to make our way to our favorite volcano caldera--Mt. Aso for none other than the grand Country Gold. This is, of course, the one and only international country music festivals this side of the world and I was completely and utterly ecstatic to be there. Not only did I get to revive my line dancing skills, but I also go to sing to country, wear a cowgirl hat and eat American BBQ (well, as close to it as you are going to get in Japan)!! And as if it couldn't get any better, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking and I could not be more thankful for such a beautiful day. The valley stretched as far as I could see and all around us the caldera jaggedly jutted out into the deep blue sky. The soft clouds hung loosely, providing for some rest from the sun every so often and a light breeze came down through the valley to cool us down just when we needed it. As I told my friend Jess, `This is amazing. I am in heaven right now`. It just felt right. I can`t really put into words what Aso does for me, but I can say that it continues to amaze me every time I am there.
We danced to country deep into the night as well as met some Navy guys from the states who actually knew country (none of my friends really knew any of the songs), so I was excited to have some people to sing along with. It was well worth every minute we were lost and every penny we spent to get there. And of course I will never forget the Japanese line dancers--that is something that very few people ever get to see!
The beginning of my week was rough since I was still tired from my weekend adventures, but I persevered and taught unmotivated students about Halloween, imitating trick or treating (complete with sound effects like DING DONG `Trick or treat!!` which they thought was amusing), pumpkin carving, and, when they seemed particularly confused on the transportation of witches, I was lucky enough to find a broom in the room to ride around on and cackle in a witch-like manor. They were also very privileged to view my beautiful artwork of pumpkins, candy corn and my personal favorite, a skeleton. Now, I don't know if anyone has tried to draw a skeleton recently, but it is not for the faint of heart. After drawing a square with lines and circles in it for a head, I was soon faced with the daunting challenge of a neck bone? and some sort of rib cage? And don`t even get me started on the wobbly arms and those gangly legs. The feet might have been my best artwork though--perfectly straight horizontal lines. This particular skeleton must have been pigeon-toed. So in my attempts to explain what a skeleton is, I am pretty sure that if they didn't know it before my drawing, they probably still don`t know it. I did get a few nods when I hit my arm and said "you know, bones!" so I guess I could have started out with that. But that was much less amusing than my actual bone drawing. I might start an art school for just skeleton drawing enthusiasts. It will be a very glamorous display of the human body. Please come to my viewing, I will serve jaw breakers and milk. You can figure that association out on your own time.
As excited as I am to continue that lesson next week, I am not. I don`t really think Halloween interests Japanese folk. Even if it did, the classroom is not the place for Halloween fun. This kind of fun should take place in the world where real costume wearing, trick or treating and candy eating can be done. I will see what I can do to liven things up with pictures and decorations next week. Maybe even some of my own pictures from my freaky 80s rock star costume last year will get them excited. Maybe, but probably not.
Monday was my only day of classes luckily, so I did not have to endure anymore fall fun worksheets. Tuesday I made my way to Ogawa for a speech contest that I got the uh, honor, to judge. I even got introduced on the stage where I had an awkward bowing opportunity. After that I listened to a bunch of kids 'talk' to one another in a skit like manor. I got to hear "how many sleeping bags do you have Ryosuke?!" "Pardon?!!" "How many sleeping bags do you have?!!"about 1000 times with enough exaggerated gestures to last me until 2013. At least. I judged with two other Japanese judges and we marked them in six different categories as fast as we could after each speech so we could move on to the next one. After the contest I walked to the mall for lunch and then took another expensive cab ride home. The inquisitive reader might ask, "Jessica, why didn't you just take a cab to the station so you could take the train home for cheaper?" And to you, inquisitive reader, I would say that is a very good question.
Although Tuesday was a nice break from the ordinary, Thursday proved to be the best day by far. 16 Americans with a scholarship program have been traveling Japan and schools around this area. Their lucky day happened to be coming to Mastubase High School to learn the ways of the sweet, respectful Japanese students. Well did they ever. The students were on their best behavior as they asked questions at the Q and A (in Japanese of course, there was a translator), performed some wonderful musical as well as puppet-like performances (I do apologize, I forget what these are called), as well as administrated a tea ceremony and helped with flower arranging. I got to participate in all of these, most of it being my first time as well. Actually, now that I think about it, all of it was my first time. I got to see the shorted version of the extremely elaborate and elegant tea ceremony that usually lasts for two hours. Luckily they shortened it to twenty minutes. We got to see the kids spin plates and bowls on poles--`saramawashi`, literally meaning spinning dish, (something I actually did get to try when I first got here), as well as sing, play the Japanese guitar, `Shamisen`, cook in home ec class, paint in calligraphy class, and practice kyudo (Japanese archery). We had a question answer session with the teachers (the Amercians talked a lot more which was not surprising at all), a video of the school and an overview of curriculum. All of these things were news to me! So it was good to know. I also got to eat a delicious bento that is usually reserved for the VP`s. It was quite a red letter day. As excited as I initially was for Americans to come and for me to have people to talk in normal English speed with, that wasn't really the highlight of the day. The real highlight was seeing my school at work with the rich cultural history Japan has to offer.
Later that night I ended up meeting back up with the American teachers for dinner in the city. I can`t say that it wasn't good to hear about teaching and explain my program to them, but there was something about the atmosphere that did not make me miss home. Or at least the strangers at home. I guess the politeness of Japan has just rubbed off on me a little bit. The main reason I went was to meet the Japanese 'potter' as he was called to see if there is anyway I can partake in pottery making or at least find some cool pots to buy. As usual, I was not disappointed and we exchanged info and he was even kind enough to take Alex (who came with me and said that my country men amuse him. heh) and I home. We plan on going to his studio and having dinner with him sometime in the near future.
This weekend brings promises of rest and relaxation which I could not be more happy for. Tonight I am meeting all of the ALTs on this side of the tracks for a little Indian food and then I plan on going home and sleeping for many hours before getting up, skyping, cleaning and swimming. Sunday I think I am going to the cultural festival in my town and then, perhaps making my way to the city for another cultural festival. They are basically the same thing, but I would like to see both of them anyway.
I also need to figure out my Halloween costume for next week because time is running out! AH! If worse comes to worse I could just dress up in all of the strange costume bits and pieces my mom and Ash and Lauren sent me. Or make a ghost costume from a sheet (hilarious btw). Speaking of which I would like to give a shout out on here (I will e-mail/call you as well) to those of you who have sent me things this week. The mail man has surely been my friend this week starting off with a lovely package of costumes, decorations and candy from my parents. Thanks mom and dad, I love it all. And you know that I can`t resist some good old dark chocolate and fish net tights!! Thank you BZ for the wonderful card and letter--it put a big smile on my face. Thank you Alex for the neat (it really was--I could tell you tried) handwritten old fashioned letter--I loved it and, of course, laughed out loud as I read it. And ASHLEY AND LAUREN you shouldn't have!! I was literally jumping in my kitchen when I opened my package. Seriously, I jumped. I don't even remember the last time I literally jumped from excitement. It was quite the surprise (nice glasses/nose man? And cheese and crackers!! AND CANDY CORN?!!). And I love the contents of this Halloween package. You all know the way to my heart. Halloween costumes, candy and writing. Couldn't have done it better myself. So thank you all, I am thrilled. And I might as well go as far back to thank Kristin and Megan for their lovely cards, those were also quite the surprise and I loved them. And thank the rest of you for writing me e-mails, I love hearing what you are up to and what is going on at home. So THANK YOU ALL!
Whew. That was a little gushy wasn't it? Sorry, it needed to be there. So yeah, that was all very exciting. Well, besides school I received my Japanese language course materials in the mail and I am officially 3 weeks behind already. It didn't help my teacher didn't give it to me until a week after I was supposed to start, but it also didn't help that I spent a total of 30 mins on it this week. Doh. I will get to it, stop getting your panties in a bunch! I also went to the gym a few times--the cute guy and I have become greeting friends (since that is all I can speak), he just melts my heart. I have also been swimming a few times and every time someone tries to talk to me I feel bad. It is usually the old men and the words they can speak are `fast` and `Olympic?` Ha. Yes, and I can say nothing much, so that should be inspiration for me to practice. Don`t worry I have informed them that I am not an Olympic swimmer.
Another delightful treat I got to experience this week was the checking-of-student-appearance time. I am not sure if this is done anywhere in the US (private schools?), but it was quite interesting. The students all gathered in the gym, stood in line and got checked out by their teachers. Literally. They went through a check list of hair, nails, clothes and for the girls, jewelry and even eye brows. There is the obvious of having your skirt below your knees and no jewelry or nail polish. And then both boys and girls are not supposed to have hair in front of their eyes and by no means are they allowed to dye it. The boys must have tight ties, no sideburns and tidy looking suits. The girls must hair long hair pulled back, tight ties and tucked in shirts under their suit jackets as well. They even examined the cuffs of the jacket to make sure they aren't too long. They were writing down the students that were not meeting standards. I don't know what that means, but I am assuming that it is so they can look and make sure the students are ok the next time they see them. And if not? A smack on the hand? Bad boy? I have a strong feeling I will never find out. And I have a strong desire not to.
They have their internships next week so they are making sure they look snazzy I guess. Not to say that this little display helped. Upon leaving the gym the boys were already loosening their ties and I saw a girl walk past me with her skirt rolled up and the bottom of it was well above her knees. I guess you can't follow them around. Not that I care, I see them rolling their skirts up at the train station everyday. Roll away, I think uniforms are a bit ridiculous. Not to mention hot. And unpractical. And denying students of their artistic creativity! Vote for a voice! Live for a purpose! Dump the drones! Be unique! Those are all things I would shout if I were advocating for individualism at a protest. I would have those nice little picket signs saying that as I marched in the streets pumping my fist in passion. But...'I am against picketing but I don`t know how to show it' Who said it?? A cookie to whoever can comment on the author of this quote.
Extraneous babbling. Anyway, uniforms. Yes. There is my stand on that. As well as certain styles of education over here. But that is a whole different field to mow, so I will save that for another time and most positively another place.
Well there it is. A much needed update. I am now going to study. For reals, it's go time.
I will part with this quote from my Dove chocolate wrapper 'Temptation is good. Giving in is better'. You would say that chocolate wrapper.
Peace and love.
So yeah, I guess I will back up to last weekend. It was an eventful one, there was a lot going on. We started off on Friday with a friend hang out sesh which continued into Saturday as we made our way to Yatishiro for the biggest fireworks festival on this side of Japan. It lasted about two hours and during this time we watched on our blanket in the summeresque night and wandered through the heavy crowds, searching for greasy festival food as the bright lights from the tents lit up the area and made it visable for miles. The fireworks were incredible--hundreds of giant explosions in brilliant colors and shapes that rattled in your chest and made your ears ring. It was one of the best and of course the biggest shows I have ever seen. At one point I could not tell you how many were in the sky. I just couldn't even count in the time they all exploded and faded away.
After I stuffed myself with Japanese goodness we headed back with the masses of people and because we couldn't even find the end of the line for the train, we reluctantly decided on an expensive taxi ride home. The next day we got up bright and early to make our way to our favorite volcano caldera--Mt. Aso for none other than the grand Country Gold. This is, of course, the one and only international country music festivals this side of the world and I was completely and utterly ecstatic to be there. Not only did I get to revive my line dancing skills, but I also go to sing to country, wear a cowgirl hat and eat American BBQ (well, as close to it as you are going to get in Japan)!! And as if it couldn't get any better, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking and I could not be more thankful for such a beautiful day. The valley stretched as far as I could see and all around us the caldera jaggedly jutted out into the deep blue sky. The soft clouds hung loosely, providing for some rest from the sun every so often and a light breeze came down through the valley to cool us down just when we needed it. As I told my friend Jess, `This is amazing. I am in heaven right now`. It just felt right. I can`t really put into words what Aso does for me, but I can say that it continues to amaze me every time I am there.
We danced to country deep into the night as well as met some Navy guys from the states who actually knew country (none of my friends really knew any of the songs), so I was excited to have some people to sing along with. It was well worth every minute we were lost and every penny we spent to get there. And of course I will never forget the Japanese line dancers--that is something that very few people ever get to see!
The beginning of my week was rough since I was still tired from my weekend adventures, but I persevered and taught unmotivated students about Halloween, imitating trick or treating (complete with sound effects like DING DONG `Trick or treat!!` which they thought was amusing), pumpkin carving, and, when they seemed particularly confused on the transportation of witches, I was lucky enough to find a broom in the room to ride around on and cackle in a witch-like manor. They were also very privileged to view my beautiful artwork of pumpkins, candy corn and my personal favorite, a skeleton. Now, I don't know if anyone has tried to draw a skeleton recently, but it is not for the faint of heart. After drawing a square with lines and circles in it for a head, I was soon faced with the daunting challenge of a neck bone? and some sort of rib cage? And don`t even get me started on the wobbly arms and those gangly legs. The feet might have been my best artwork though--perfectly straight horizontal lines. This particular skeleton must have been pigeon-toed. So in my attempts to explain what a skeleton is, I am pretty sure that if they didn't know it before my drawing, they probably still don`t know it. I did get a few nods when I hit my arm and said "you know, bones!" so I guess I could have started out with that. But that was much less amusing than my actual bone drawing. I might start an art school for just skeleton drawing enthusiasts. It will be a very glamorous display of the human body. Please come to my viewing, I will serve jaw breakers and milk. You can figure that association out on your own time.
As excited as I am to continue that lesson next week, I am not. I don`t really think Halloween interests Japanese folk. Even if it did, the classroom is not the place for Halloween fun. This kind of fun should take place in the world where real costume wearing, trick or treating and candy eating can be done. I will see what I can do to liven things up with pictures and decorations next week. Maybe even some of my own pictures from my freaky 80s rock star costume last year will get them excited. Maybe, but probably not.
Monday was my only day of classes luckily, so I did not have to endure anymore fall fun worksheets. Tuesday I made my way to Ogawa for a speech contest that I got the uh, honor, to judge. I even got introduced on the stage where I had an awkward bowing opportunity. After that I listened to a bunch of kids 'talk' to one another in a skit like manor. I got to hear "how many sleeping bags do you have Ryosuke?!" "Pardon?!!" "How many sleeping bags do you have?!!"about 1000 times with enough exaggerated gestures to last me until 2013. At least. I judged with two other Japanese judges and we marked them in six different categories as fast as we could after each speech so we could move on to the next one. After the contest I walked to the mall for lunch and then took another expensive cab ride home. The inquisitive reader might ask, "Jessica, why didn't you just take a cab to the station so you could take the train home for cheaper?" And to you, inquisitive reader, I would say that is a very good question.
Although Tuesday was a nice break from the ordinary, Thursday proved to be the best day by far. 16 Americans with a scholarship program have been traveling Japan and schools around this area. Their lucky day happened to be coming to Mastubase High School to learn the ways of the sweet, respectful Japanese students. Well did they ever. The students were on their best behavior as they asked questions at the Q and A (in Japanese of course, there was a translator), performed some wonderful musical as well as puppet-like performances (I do apologize, I forget what these are called), as well as administrated a tea ceremony and helped with flower arranging. I got to participate in all of these, most of it being my first time as well. Actually, now that I think about it, all of it was my first time. I got to see the shorted version of the extremely elaborate and elegant tea ceremony that usually lasts for two hours. Luckily they shortened it to twenty minutes. We got to see the kids spin plates and bowls on poles--`saramawashi`, literally meaning spinning dish, (something I actually did get to try when I first got here), as well as sing, play the Japanese guitar, `Shamisen`, cook in home ec class, paint in calligraphy class, and practice kyudo (Japanese archery). We had a question answer session with the teachers (the Amercians talked a lot more which was not surprising at all), a video of the school and an overview of curriculum. All of these things were news to me! So it was good to know. I also got to eat a delicious bento that is usually reserved for the VP`s. It was quite a red letter day. As excited as I initially was for Americans to come and for me to have people to talk in normal English speed with, that wasn't really the highlight of the day. The real highlight was seeing my school at work with the rich cultural history Japan has to offer.
Later that night I ended up meeting back up with the American teachers for dinner in the city. I can`t say that it wasn't good to hear about teaching and explain my program to them, but there was something about the atmosphere that did not make me miss home. Or at least the strangers at home. I guess the politeness of Japan has just rubbed off on me a little bit. The main reason I went was to meet the Japanese 'potter' as he was called to see if there is anyway I can partake in pottery making or at least find some cool pots to buy. As usual, I was not disappointed and we exchanged info and he was even kind enough to take Alex (who came with me and said that my country men amuse him. heh) and I home. We plan on going to his studio and having dinner with him sometime in the near future.
This weekend brings promises of rest and relaxation which I could not be more happy for. Tonight I am meeting all of the ALTs on this side of the tracks for a little Indian food and then I plan on going home and sleeping for many hours before getting up, skyping, cleaning and swimming. Sunday I think I am going to the cultural festival in my town and then, perhaps making my way to the city for another cultural festival. They are basically the same thing, but I would like to see both of them anyway.
I also need to figure out my Halloween costume for next week because time is running out! AH! If worse comes to worse I could just dress up in all of the strange costume bits and pieces my mom and Ash and Lauren sent me. Or make a ghost costume from a sheet (hilarious btw). Speaking of which I would like to give a shout out on here (I will e-mail/call you as well) to those of you who have sent me things this week. The mail man has surely been my friend this week starting off with a lovely package of costumes, decorations and candy from my parents. Thanks mom and dad, I love it all. And you know that I can`t resist some good old dark chocolate and fish net tights!! Thank you BZ for the wonderful card and letter--it put a big smile on my face. Thank you Alex for the neat (it really was--I could tell you tried) handwritten old fashioned letter--I loved it and, of course, laughed out loud as I read it. And ASHLEY AND LAUREN you shouldn't have!! I was literally jumping in my kitchen when I opened my package. Seriously, I jumped. I don't even remember the last time I literally jumped from excitement. It was quite the surprise (nice glasses/nose man? And cheese and crackers!! AND CANDY CORN?!!). And I love the contents of this Halloween package. You all know the way to my heart. Halloween costumes, candy and writing. Couldn't have done it better myself. So thank you all, I am thrilled. And I might as well go as far back to thank Kristin and Megan for their lovely cards, those were also quite the surprise and I loved them. And thank the rest of you for writing me e-mails, I love hearing what you are up to and what is going on at home. So THANK YOU ALL!
Whew. That was a little gushy wasn't it? Sorry, it needed to be there. So yeah, that was all very exciting. Well, besides school I received my Japanese language course materials in the mail and I am officially 3 weeks behind already. It didn't help my teacher didn't give it to me until a week after I was supposed to start, but it also didn't help that I spent a total of 30 mins on it this week. Doh. I will get to it, stop getting your panties in a bunch! I also went to the gym a few times--the cute guy and I have become greeting friends (since that is all I can speak), he just melts my heart. I have also been swimming a few times and every time someone tries to talk to me I feel bad. It is usually the old men and the words they can speak are `fast` and `Olympic?` Ha. Yes, and I can say nothing much, so that should be inspiration for me to practice. Don`t worry I have informed them that I am not an Olympic swimmer.
Another delightful treat I got to experience this week was the checking-of-student-appearance time. I am not sure if this is done anywhere in the US (private schools?), but it was quite interesting. The students all gathered in the gym, stood in line and got checked out by their teachers. Literally. They went through a check list of hair, nails, clothes and for the girls, jewelry and even eye brows. There is the obvious of having your skirt below your knees and no jewelry or nail polish. And then both boys and girls are not supposed to have hair in front of their eyes and by no means are they allowed to dye it. The boys must have tight ties, no sideburns and tidy looking suits. The girls must hair long hair pulled back, tight ties and tucked in shirts under their suit jackets as well. They even examined the cuffs of the jacket to make sure they aren't too long. They were writing down the students that were not meeting standards. I don't know what that means, but I am assuming that it is so they can look and make sure the students are ok the next time they see them. And if not? A smack on the hand? Bad boy? I have a strong feeling I will never find out. And I have a strong desire not to.
They have their internships next week so they are making sure they look snazzy I guess. Not to say that this little display helped. Upon leaving the gym the boys were already loosening their ties and I saw a girl walk past me with her skirt rolled up and the bottom of it was well above her knees. I guess you can't follow them around. Not that I care, I see them rolling their skirts up at the train station everyday. Roll away, I think uniforms are a bit ridiculous. Not to mention hot. And unpractical. And denying students of their artistic creativity! Vote for a voice! Live for a purpose! Dump the drones! Be unique! Those are all things I would shout if I were advocating for individualism at a protest. I would have those nice little picket signs saying that as I marched in the streets pumping my fist in passion. But...'I am against picketing but I don`t know how to show it' Who said it?? A cookie to whoever can comment on the author of this quote.
Extraneous babbling. Anyway, uniforms. Yes. There is my stand on that. As well as certain styles of education over here. But that is a whole different field to mow, so I will save that for another time and most positively another place.
Well there it is. A much needed update. I am now going to study. For reals, it's go time.
I will part with this quote from my Dove chocolate wrapper 'Temptation is good. Giving in is better'. You would say that chocolate wrapper.
Peace and love.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sweet October
Since I have a tough life and I have a total of four classes this week, I decided I would make time to write a little. I know, it is a busy schedule, I dont know how I am going to find time to do anything.
Ha. Sometimes having so much time is actually hard because I am beginning to become an expert of avoiding things like the plague (not like I was a beginner to start off with anyway...). Like learning Japanese. There is always something better to do. I mean I really need to check my mail and write and read and work out and eat and call friends and research random things like dreams, recipes, Maine, kg to lb and F to C converters, the Presidential Debate, the top 20 worst foods in America--Chipolte being the worst Mexican :(, the weather in Colorado, the sports in Denver and the happenings in Fort Collins. So after all that is said and done there is not much time left for studying. I try hard to fit it in though. I really do.
Well it is a three day week, which is just as well because it is moving rather slowly anyway. Overall though, October is going fast. Before I know it, it will be Halloween and I have no idea what I am going to be! Uh o, it looks like there is another thing I need to research...
Today I am teaching an adult class for like 30 min which should be interesting and then I am doing a little online chatting with the students for the computer teacher. Out of the kindness of my heart. After that it is home to get some things done before the craziness of the weekend sets in. There is a giant fireworks festival south-ish of here and a country concert (complete with Dierks Bentley!) up North in the Aso area on Sunday.
Last weekend went by so fast, I find it hard to believe it was four days long. I hung low until Saturday night where I met some friends in the city for some salsa dancing (well, I tried) which was a good time, but very tiring. The rest of the weekend was spent mainly with Cassandra which is always a guaranteed good time. Sunday we went to the mall, ate, went to look for Halloween costumes where I was unsuccessful, but she found a great Indian costume. Ahem, excuse me, Native American costume.
We then went to our friend, Talia`s and she made us an excellent dinner and we just hung out and watched a movie. We decided to take her up on her hospitality and stay the night just so we could wake up again and enjoy a delicious breakfast, a good movie and the great company. We then left and took a drive to none other than the BEACH. Which, let me tell you, was great. And I might also tell you that it was 30 mins away from my house. THIRTY. At home I could drive for 30 mins and end up at the stinky reservoir. So this was quite a bonus beach find. After enjoying our time at the beach we came home, made some scrumptious Carmel apples to bring to the little dinner party one of the girls was having. We enjoyed dinner and the company and by the time we got home, we were so full from our weekend eating that we decided to have a dance party. It has been much too long since a good dance party. After the glorious dancing, we feel into a deep slumber and awoke in good spirits the next day. We went to the pool so I could swim a little and help Cassandra with her newly learned stroke! She was getting good at that freestyle. We decided that she is going to learn a flip turn by the end of this year. So we have lots to practice!
So that, my friends, was my weekend. And now I am already planning for another. Looking ahead I have a lot coming up, most of which should be really fun. This is the year o' fun I have decided. Before putting my nose to the grindstone with teaching and eventually grad school.
Last night some friends and I went to the conveyor belt (katian) sushi place, which was just what I was craving. With a Coke, weirdly enough. I don`t even remember the last time I had pop. I don`t even know the last time I had sushi. That is a sad statement considering I live in Japan. I will do my best to eat more. And less karage which is fried chicken. I actually haven`t eaten that much, but it is best to just stay away from it all together.
The weather is getting much cooler which is such a relief. And by cooler I mean 65 F. Not much cooler, but anything works these days. I am looking forward to winter for the first time. I usually do get excited for the first few snows at home now that I think about it. But once January is over, I am ready for winter to be over as well. Not this year! I want it to last until July. I think their winter is rather short, and it starts warming up towards the beginning of the year. Ugh, the heat can take it's time for all I care.
I guess I have avoided the studying for long enough, so I will get to it. I will be posting pictures of my weekend so keep a weathered eye on the horizon! Until then `take what you can and give nothing back!` (something like that from Pirates of the Caribbean).
Ha. Sometimes having so much time is actually hard because I am beginning to become an expert of avoiding things like the plague (not like I was a beginner to start off with anyway...). Like learning Japanese. There is always something better to do. I mean I really need to check my mail and write and read and work out and eat and call friends and research random things like dreams, recipes, Maine, kg to lb and F to C converters, the Presidential Debate, the top 20 worst foods in America--Chipolte being the worst Mexican :(, the weather in Colorado, the sports in Denver and the happenings in Fort Collins. So after all that is said and done there is not much time left for studying. I try hard to fit it in though. I really do.
Well it is a three day week, which is just as well because it is moving rather slowly anyway. Overall though, October is going fast. Before I know it, it will be Halloween and I have no idea what I am going to be! Uh o, it looks like there is another thing I need to research...
Today I am teaching an adult class for like 30 min which should be interesting and then I am doing a little online chatting with the students for the computer teacher. Out of the kindness of my heart. After that it is home to get some things done before the craziness of the weekend sets in. There is a giant fireworks festival south-ish of here and a country concert (complete with Dierks Bentley!) up North in the Aso area on Sunday.
Last weekend went by so fast, I find it hard to believe it was four days long. I hung low until Saturday night where I met some friends in the city for some salsa dancing (well, I tried) which was a good time, but very tiring. The rest of the weekend was spent mainly with Cassandra which is always a guaranteed good time. Sunday we went to the mall, ate, went to look for Halloween costumes where I was unsuccessful, but she found a great Indian costume. Ahem, excuse me, Native American costume.
We then went to our friend, Talia`s and she made us an excellent dinner and we just hung out and watched a movie. We decided to take her up on her hospitality and stay the night just so we could wake up again and enjoy a delicious breakfast, a good movie and the great company. We then left and took a drive to none other than the BEACH. Which, let me tell you, was great. And I might also tell you that it was 30 mins away from my house. THIRTY. At home I could drive for 30 mins and end up at the stinky reservoir. So this was quite a bonus beach find. After enjoying our time at the beach we came home, made some scrumptious Carmel apples to bring to the little dinner party one of the girls was having. We enjoyed dinner and the company and by the time we got home, we were so full from our weekend eating that we decided to have a dance party. It has been much too long since a good dance party. After the glorious dancing, we feel into a deep slumber and awoke in good spirits the next day. We went to the pool so I could swim a little and help Cassandra with her newly learned stroke! She was getting good at that freestyle. We decided that she is going to learn a flip turn by the end of this year. So we have lots to practice!
So that, my friends, was my weekend. And now I am already planning for another. Looking ahead I have a lot coming up, most of which should be really fun. This is the year o' fun I have decided. Before putting my nose to the grindstone with teaching and eventually grad school.
Last night some friends and I went to the conveyor belt (katian) sushi place, which was just what I was craving. With a Coke, weirdly enough. I don`t even remember the last time I had pop. I don`t even know the last time I had sushi. That is a sad statement considering I live in Japan. I will do my best to eat more. And less karage which is fried chicken. I actually haven`t eaten that much, but it is best to just stay away from it all together.
The weather is getting much cooler which is such a relief. And by cooler I mean 65 F. Not much cooler, but anything works these days. I am looking forward to winter for the first time. I usually do get excited for the first few snows at home now that I think about it. But once January is over, I am ready for winter to be over as well. Not this year! I want it to last until July. I think their winter is rather short, and it starts warming up towards the beginning of the year. Ugh, the heat can take it's time for all I care.
I guess I have avoided the studying for long enough, so I will get to it. I will be posting pictures of my weekend so keep a weathered eye on the horizon! Until then `take what you can and give nothing back!` (something like that from Pirates of the Caribbean).
Friday, October 10, 2008
A little slice of the beginning
If interested check out the sites below. They are a video documentation a guy in the Colorado group did on our departure and arrival in Tokyo. The second part of the second film is the only part I didn't experience. The rest was all the same that I did and saw on my way to Japan. I even make a brief appearance in the first one, so keep your eyes peeled. He did a really good job so enjoy!
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=mPIIeiKJ2FQ&feature=related
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=bOF0mbZjY9g&feature=related
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=mPIIeiKJ2FQ&feature=related
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=bOF0mbZjY9g&feature=related
Welcome to Jessica's Diner!
Look Mom, I cooked!
So in college I survived on microwave meals, grilled cheese, pasta and sometimes BBQ-able items. Of course there was cereal, crackers and sandwiches. So this is a big step for me--the start of some sort of cooking. On our far left we have pork with veggies and rice with a lovely Japanese creamish sauce and a bit of soy sauce (note: the same sauces were used with all of these dishes), next to that we have sauteed salmon on a soft bed of fluffy white rice. Fresh tomato surrounds this scrumptious delicacy. This has a light garlic sprinkle as well as some oregano and some lemon pepper. On the far right is a stir fry sort of dish with carrots, potatoes, egg, red pepper, tomato, onion and white rice. This also has a few various spices and sauces to give it that extra kick! So there are my most prized meals. I also have a mean grilled cheese with avocado, a quesodilla with tomato and salsa and I make an oh so lovely over easy egg and toast combo!
The door to the cooking world is slowly opening and I have never felt so alive! I am going to continue to experiment, so feel free to stop by Jessica's diner to try out some of my good home cookin' any old time!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Masshupoteto wa ikaga desu ka (How about mashed potatoes?)
As usual, I should probably be studying my Japanese right now. But I just can't resist a good old fashion blogging session to brighten my (and your) day. Current updates from Kumamoto, Japan:
Weather: A little breezy, about 22 degrees Celsius which is probably in the 70s Fahrenheit-wise and sunny. Too hot in the office.
Position: Ogawa Technical High School. In a chair. At my desk.
View: 3 other 4-desk clusters. 4 Japanese teachers.
Outside window: trees, pavement, mountain, Japanese tile roofs
Sounds: My fingers hitting the keyboard, a bird, rustling paper, far away student voices.
Feelings: Content, hot, little antsy, mostly relaxed.
Thoughts:
What to do when I get home (buy b-day present, get ready for dinner with friends)
What to do this weekend (go visit a friend in another town, go on a day trip somewhere?)
What to do this month (festivals, speech contests, Japanese studying, planning for classes, Halloween costume)
How to wake students up (I wish I had a portable hair dryer I could just blast on their face when they are sleeping. They think it was hot before...muhahaha)
What are my friends and family back home doing right now? (Probably sleeping)
Where should I travel this year?
What will it be like when I go home next summer?
There is your weekly update, stay tuned for more right here on blogspot.com!
Actually I have more. When I have I ever had that short of a post?
Well it is already Thursday which is nice, this week went by rather quickly. I only have to teach 6 classes all week so I am not complaining about not having much to do. We have a three day weekend in a day so I am trying to make plans for that. Last weekend we went to the infamous "waterwheel" and it was a blast. We drove to Amauksa which was about 2 hours away. We had to cross about 5 bridges to get there since it is a small island like place. We got there after a lovely scenic drive of ocean, palm trees and interesting statues. We went straight to one out of three cabins the other ALTs had rented out for the night to put our stuff down. To get there we crossed a rickety bridge that was at least 30 feet high that was built straight over a waterfall. It was a spectacular view of the falls and the river and as I was crossing I couldn't help but be grateful that I am not afraid of heights. After people started getting there the swimming, and socializing began. And of course there were waterfall jumpers as well as bridge jumpers. Scary.
The night continued with BBQing and lots of dancing. They were able to get a DJ table so we had some good and interesting jams. We danced and cooked into the night and drifted asleep to the faint sounds of the bass from the music. The next morning we awoke to what we thought was rain, but then realized that it was the rushing river water and the waterfall right outside the window. After packing up our things we headed home, making a pit stop at the local mall for ice cream and gifts for our schools. There was no music in my friend, Jessica's, car yet, so my friends got to be entertained by me talking the entire way home. I tend to get a bit carried away when I live alone and can only sort of speak English to Japanese people all week. Needless to say it was a fun and silly ride home.
The rest of the weekend I just did some chores and talked to the family. Ah yes and went to an Enkai, which was quite lovely. The teachers even gathered around in a circle and sang the school song merrily while they swayed back and fourth. Why can't we all just be more like the Japanese?
There are pictures of waterwheel below, so feed your eyes.
That be all. Good'ay.
Weather: A little breezy, about 22 degrees Celsius which is probably in the 70s Fahrenheit-wise and sunny. Too hot in the office.
Position: Ogawa Technical High School. In a chair. At my desk.
View: 3 other 4-desk clusters. 4 Japanese teachers.
Outside window: trees, pavement, mountain, Japanese tile roofs
Sounds: My fingers hitting the keyboard, a bird, rustling paper, far away student voices.
Feelings: Content, hot, little antsy, mostly relaxed.
Thoughts:
What to do when I get home (buy b-day present, get ready for dinner with friends)
What to do this weekend (go visit a friend in another town, go on a day trip somewhere?)
What to do this month (festivals, speech contests, Japanese studying, planning for classes, Halloween costume)
How to wake students up (I wish I had a portable hair dryer I could just blast on their face when they are sleeping. They think it was hot before...muhahaha)
What are my friends and family back home doing right now? (Probably sleeping)
Where should I travel this year?
What will it be like when I go home next summer?
There is your weekly update, stay tuned for more right here on blogspot.com!
Actually I have more. When I have I ever had that short of a post?
Well it is already Thursday which is nice, this week went by rather quickly. I only have to teach 6 classes all week so I am not complaining about not having much to do. We have a three day weekend in a day so I am trying to make plans for that. Last weekend we went to the infamous "waterwheel" and it was a blast. We drove to Amauksa which was about 2 hours away. We had to cross about 5 bridges to get there since it is a small island like place. We got there after a lovely scenic drive of ocean, palm trees and interesting statues. We went straight to one out of three cabins the other ALTs had rented out for the night to put our stuff down. To get there we crossed a rickety bridge that was at least 30 feet high that was built straight over a waterfall. It was a spectacular view of the falls and the river and as I was crossing I couldn't help but be grateful that I am not afraid of heights. After people started getting there the swimming, and socializing began. And of course there were waterfall jumpers as well as bridge jumpers. Scary.
The night continued with BBQing and lots of dancing. They were able to get a DJ table so we had some good and interesting jams. We danced and cooked into the night and drifted asleep to the faint sounds of the bass from the music. The next morning we awoke to what we thought was rain, but then realized that it was the rushing river water and the waterfall right outside the window. After packing up our things we headed home, making a pit stop at the local mall for ice cream and gifts for our schools. There was no music in my friend, Jessica's, car yet, so my friends got to be entertained by me talking the entire way home. I tend to get a bit carried away when I live alone and can only sort of speak English to Japanese people all week. Needless to say it was a fun and silly ride home.
The rest of the weekend I just did some chores and talked to the family. Ah yes and went to an Enkai, which was quite lovely. The teachers even gathered around in a circle and sang the school song merrily while they swayed back and fourth. Why can't we all just be more like the Japanese?
There are pictures of waterwheel below, so feed your eyes.
That be all. Good'ay.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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