thursday has come and jetlag takes it's toll

oh no. I'm sitting here, working on a wedding video that I promised someone (wink, wink) and just caught myself doing a little shimmy-shake in my swivle chair to the tunes of India Arie, blaring through my headphones. Not exactly appropriate for the staff room. Need to watch out for that, but I just need to say that I realized a little while ago that those cicadas I was discussing earlier in the week really sound like maracas and make a perfect accompanyment to "Rock with You" by Alicia Keys...


It might be somewhat obvious, but jetlag is starting to get to me.


I went out with a group of friends last night (two more goodbyes), discovering a new favorite restaraunt in Akashi and then "playing" a few games of bowling afterwards. I really need to take the Sleep Aid I bought. I took a nap yesterday afternoon, which doesn't help, but I honestly couldn't fall asleep until after 2am. Not very condusive to... well, functioning normally. The jetlag isn't as bad coming in this direction as it is going to America, but with a 14-hour time difference, your body rythm definitely gets a little messed up. It's a completely opposite schedule!


Other than the jetlag, one of my Japanese friends also told me that my English has changed a bit since I went home. I know my home-area is famous for our midwestern twang (thank you, Fargo), but rather than the long OOOOs and nasaly-pitch, I think I've just reverted back to using a lot of vocabulary I was more careful about not using before, am back to using old, familiar speech patterns I had abandoned for more understandable ones at some point and my natural speed has increased. It'll adjust back, but interesting how fast those changes happen.


I've also noticed how much more time I am spending on the internet since I came back to Japan. I have always read the news online, but now I am more interested in the entertainment news (ok, crap), especially the stuff that I couldn't have cared less about at home. Even during my short visits to Minnesota, I never followed up with some of the sites I catch myself looking at here... and am already back to checking on a semi-regular basis. I think part of the interest is the fact that I am surrounded by American culture at home and the sites give me insight into changes in that pop culture when they're not immediately accessible in Japan. I hope that makes sense, but I really think keeping up with pop culture keeps me a little more balanced and "normalized" (at least in a cultural sense) while living abroad, helps me to better serve as an ambassador of my country (because I'm not so out-of-touch with details) and it definitely makes the transition easier going back. It just seems like a waste of time when I could be reading, studying, running, lesson-planning, exploring... doing something.


OK, I just got an email about another friend having a baby. Folks, I love you and am happy for you... but that's my cue. I am getting offline.

I registered for the Tokyo Marathon!

I am so excited and nervous at the same time. I just submitted a registration form for the Tokyo Marathon, held in Tokyo on March 22, 2008!

I wanted to do this marathon this past year, but the registration was already closed when I went to sign up in early September. This year, the date is a bit later, but they only allow 300,000 people to enter the race. However, because it's such a major city, there are always many more applications than spots and runners are pooled into a lottery for space.

The process for signing up is sort of funny. You start on the official webpage and have to read all the rules and regulations and then agree to the terms. OK, fine... that's like renting a video. Well, then you submit a pre-registration form electronically and they email you instructions for a further URL where you can register for real. You have to use a new username and password to get into this page, but that is where you fill out all of your contact and running history details. Then, if the application process goes to the lottery system (which it will), they will contact you if you make it. I am just grateful this race registration is done in English and electronically. Most of the others have involved sending for forms, filling them out in Japanese and then sending a bank transfer (I'm guessing Tokyo will allow credit card payments).

Race registration is also only open between certain dates (it opened on 7/22) and then lottery winners are notified via email in November. If you do make it in, the entry fee for Tokyo is JPY12,000 (about $120) for the Marathon and JPY6,000 ($60) for the 10km Race. Wow, running is definitely one of the most affordable and accessible sports out there, but these races can sure get pricey (especially when you consider getting to Tokyo).

So that's it; now I just have to wait. I'm excited to start training for this run (got adorable new race shoes in America... thanks to Amy & Stacey!), not to mention that am dying to experience Tokyo on foot. I am mostly just nervous that I won't get in. I would like to do the New York Marathon some day, but this would be my first big city race, so I'm pretty pumped about the potential and feel ready. Fingers crossed!


For those of you that are maybe interested in joining, here is a timeline of race events:

July 1 (Tuesday)
Distribution of Tokyo Marathon 2009 Application Guideline

July 22,(Tuesday)
Application process open to general public

September 22,(Monday) - 17:00
Application deadline

Mid-November
Results of the lottery will be announced and the applicants will be notified

Late February,(2009)
Guideline of participation to Tokyo Marathon will be mailed

March 19,(Thursday)
Bib Number Pick UpRunner Check-in at the Tokyo Marathon Expo from 10:00 ~ 19:30 (Tentative)

March 20,(Friday)
Bib Number Pick UpRunner Check-in at the Tokyo Marathon Expo from 10:00 ~ 19:30 (Tentative)

March 21,(Saturday)
Bib Number Pick UpRunner Check-in at the Tokyo Marathon Expo from 10:00 ~ 19:30 (Tentative)

March 22 , (Sunday)
Race Day 9:05 Wheelchair start 9:10 Marathon & 10㎞ start
Starting point: Tokyo Metropolitan Government
9:05 a.m. (Wheelchair division starts)
9:10 a.m. (Marathon, 10km Race starts)

Biking to Work

I decided to bike to school today. It took about 50 minutes to get here and I was drenched in sweat walking in the door. My coworkers couldn't believe I biked from Futami to Takasago, but it's a pretty straight shot on a paved path; not bad at all.


I'm not going to lie, even though I must have looked like crap when I got to work (and from the looks I was getting during the ride, seeing a foreigner in shorts, a tank and a baseball cap must also be strange), the sweat felt like tiny drops of pleasure rolling down my face.


It doesn't matter if you have been in shape to run a marathon (or just been in shape) somewhat recently; you really have to keep it up or you are going to lose your progress. I should know... I am sorry to say I have seriously let myself go in the last few months, mainly just going out a lot and not exercising as much. I really feel like it's time to get back on the horse, though. Today just felt good to get out and move.


It's still a bit too hot to go for normal runs and it's supposed to rain for the rest of the week, but I might try to start hitting the gym again when I am back in town a while or at least get up early to run.


More Goodbyes
So one of my friends here is leaving today. I said my goodbyes to her and her boyfriend before America and didn't need to do it again, it's just too hard to drag things out, but strange to think she's gone. I saw Kelly and met her Japanese boyfriend last night, too. Kelly and I have gone through a lot of ups and downs over the last few years and aren't as close as we used to be, but it's also strange to think she won't just be around if I want to text or call her. Saying goodbye felt like a "see you later." That's the way it should be, I suppose. I am not quite sure if I am just really prepared for all of this change or in denial.


Service Award
I had another big surprise when I got home from work yesterday evening. I checked my mailbox to discover a big, manila envelope. I look inside to find an official letter and certificate telling me I won a national service award! I have been snooping around and I am pretty sure a colleague in Kyoto nominated me (for my work with the volunteer organization), but I was still very surprised and really flattered. I know so many other hard-working, talented people here, I almost feel like they deserve it more than I do. If I did know for sure who nominated me, however... well then, wow, I owe them a huge thank you!

Camping Gear
I have to get going. I'm meeting a friend in Akashi to pick up some camping gear and I need to tackle the large mass of stuff that people having been giving me that has accumulated in my kitchen.

Hidden Camera in Love Hotels

This was just posted to an e-newsletter I subscribe to by a guy in Nara Prefecture (also close to Osaka). I thought it was worth passing on:

Hey Ryan here. As if my last weeks in Japan could get worse.

We were in Tenoji a couple days ago. We have been staying in love hotels because the air conditioning at my house does not work and since there are no more JETs coming it can't be fixed, also it was from 1994 and can't be fixed anyway. (also there is no hot water, no TV, and I just got Internet back).

Well we went to a hotel close to the station, it had some Chinese stuff out front I forgot the name sorry but I plan on going back and checking. It was cheap, just 4500 for the night. I think it was castle something but I don't know if that was it or if that was the one right next to it.

Anyway in the lobby the old woman running the place had opened her door for whatever reason and was talking to my wife. I looked through the small opening and counted about 11 TV screens. These were not all security. Because I saw the couple who was in front of us in a room but I thought oh maybe it's just the hallway upstairs. I also clearly saw a screen with a bed in it with no one there. Again I thought hey was that a bed or maybe just a rug? She shut the door.

We go up to the only room left and I see a the same bed. I recognized it by the odd cover on it and because I just saw it. Above the bed are a ring of white lights and two are "broken". So I check. One of them is a real burnt out light. The other light is green tinted with a glass cover over it. We try the controls by the bed to turn it on because sometimes you can do that and have different color lights on in your room. Nothing worked. So I examine it. There is no way to change the bulb, it is built up into the ceiling which was hallow i checked by knocking. It doesn't unscrew, pop out, or anything. I took some pictures of it with my camera and caught the IR in my shots same as you would the iris of a person's eye. AKA another camera was on the other side and it was on.

We called in to get our money back. they were not going to give it to us then we told them we found the camera. Another person got on the phone (frantic) and said there was no camera but we could have our money back.

Got my money and left. I also checked for one way mirrors before I went but didn't find any.

I later got online and using my photos found the exact same "security" hidden cameras on a Japanese website. Always scan any strange lights, vents, mirrors, and those slot machines you sometimes find in the room esp if they face the bed. Spy video is sold for black mail for porn and whatever.

Ill be going back with my scanners before I leave Japan. So be careful where you do your thing. Love Hotels in general are great but don't stay at a sketchy one. Trust your gut. And its always good to check just in case.

Capricorns (random post)

OK, this is really random, but I was playing around on the web this morning and I followed a random link to information on my zodiac sign. I haven't seen a profile like this for years - and I know there is a specific someone who will get a kick out of parts of my assigned star profile - so I thought I would share with all.

According to Wikipedia (I might have done further research...), the following is an atrological explanation of the traits widely-associated wtih Capricorns, my sign. Note that no scientific research has been able to prove any correlations and remember that you can find false similarities anywhere if you are really looking to believe something. I don't usually believe in this stuff... but for those of you that know me, maybe there are some truths. Hmmm, what do you think? Resemble me? ;-)

Capricorns are...

*Traits*

• Practical
• Disciplined / methodical / organized
• Prudent / cautious / careful
• Ambitious / focused
• Trustworthy / dependable / reliable
• Serious
• Self-reliant / independent
• Steadfast / persevering / stable
• Persistent / dedicated
• Hard-working
• Rational / reasonable
• Responsible
• Shrewd / wise
• Aloof / businesslike
• Tenacious
• Self-critical
• Traditional / conventional
• Career-oriented
• Authoritative
• Competent
• Strong

*Attributes*

Suitable occupations/Ideal Careers: any capacity of authority, doctor, lawyer, accountant, politician, teacher, principal, engineer, farmer, anything math related
Likes: Romance, loyalty, feeling secure, financial/material stability, ambitious mates, feeling committed, making long term relationship plans, dependability, reliability, perseverance.
Dislikes: Flightiness, being bossed around, crudeness/coarseness, dominance, game playing, ego displays, extravagance, being challenged by a lover, indecisiveness.

Capricorn is widely thought to be compatible with same element signs, Taurus and Virgo.

Birthstones: Ruby, Turqoise (my personality color - December stone), Garnet (my birthstone & Czech heritage)
Colors: Dark Brown, Black, Gray
Gemstones: Onyx, Quartz, Beryl, Obsidian, Amethyst
Metal: Lead, Silver (not a big fan of gold, so this one was easy...)
Plant: Ivy, Canation
Countries: South Asia, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Cuba (ooo, Cuba...to travel to??... OK!)

First Day Back at Work

Don't worry. I am not going to give you a play-by-play of my day, but it is curious sliding back into life here.

I woke up this morning, thinking something was wrong with my refrigerater because of the loud, insessent, humming noise coming from the other room. It took a few minutes to realize the sound was not perpertrating my sliding glass door (leading to the kitchen), but rather the one going outside, to my balcony. A memory came back and suddenly I realized that the sound was the distantly familiar mating call of the cicadas - abundant in Japan during this season.

My walk to the station passes a large shopping complex called Ito Yokado (a 7i holding- yes 711 Corporation - and essentially my next door neighbor) so the concrete sheilded me from the volume of the sound. I got to the station, loaded a handfull of 10yen coins into the ticket machine to buy my ￥290 ticket to work (need to get cash) and boarded a very crowded train to Takasago, 5 stops down, where I was the only non-Japanese person that I could see. On the way back from the airport last night, I was utterly frozen by the air conditioner on the train, pulling the small blanket I traveled with out of my purse to cover up. This morning, however, I counted it a blessings that it was on as I expect it could have gotten pretty sweltering with so many people jammed into one train car.

Once I got to Takasago, I threw my coffee can in the recycling bin (platforms are one of the only places you will find garbage bins and - luckily - also a guarenteed place to find vending machines selling cold, semi-decent coffee at a decent price) and raced down the stairs so I could get to the ticket machines before the crowds.

Takasago is a smaller, yet industrial, seaside town, covered with pine trees and strewn with small, yet elegant backyards and Japanese gardens: the perfect locatio for cicadas. Once again, the drowning, rythmatic, chiming drone of the cicadas started again (it honestly sounds electrical). As I walked the 10 minutes from the station to my school, down the sidestreets through town, the noise got so loud that it was almost defening.

The building doesn't prove much of a refuge from the noise, but already I am getting accustomed to it again. I remember being shocked by the strenth of the sound when I arrived here two years ago, even plugging my ears when I ran through the park. But at some point you get used to it and try to ignore it. It just becomes a daily noise, usually only really bad in the morning, a new normal, and then... it's gone for the year.

Now I am sitting at my desk. I just had to bring my hanko, the stamp/seal that serves as my official signature, to the office to sign a form. Beads of sweat are running down my face, wetting my new bangs. I share a laugh when I see the head office worker - a younger, funny guy - also sweating with the humidity. We exchange greetings, tend to business and I excuse myself to run back to the airconditioned staff room. The room looks like a (now almost empty) police precinct, with eight rows of eight, grey, indusrial-looking desks, stacked tightly together and going from wall-to-wall. The Deputy Principal sits in the center and the room has two, wooden sliding doors on either side and a copy room to the far corner. My desk, like many others, has shelves and binders directly in front of where I sit. My work laptop stays plugged in on top of the felt and plastic desk cover, proudly displaying vintage postcards from my favorite temples in Kyoto, a class schedule, various pictures from my time in Japan and a card with a picture of sushi on it from my best friend in America (the kids think it is hilarious that we think sushi comes with carrots in America and often stop to marvel and laugh at the size of the dallop of wasabi in the picture). My coworkers come in-and-out as take a break from the computer (currently set on the news and Facebook) and greet each with a boisterous "GOOD MORNING!" in Japanese. A few stop to ask me why I have color in my face (some not knowing I was just home... keeping it a secret in an effort to save buying presents for all 60 people) or just to chat and say hi. One teacher stops to show me the tan she has aquired from supervising tennis this week. She's not very happy about it (but I think she looks much better). Soon I'll go to my classroom to hang up some posters and maybe watch a bit of a movie I want to show later while I stamp worksheets I have to hand back at the end of summer. I might meet another expat friend in town for lunch. She'll email my phone when she's coming and I'll either borrow one of the two staff bikes or walk over - past two large shrines - to meet her in the local shopping mall, Seiyu (owned by Walmart Corp.).

Life here is very different, but I'm happy to be back. Just yesterday I was home, riding in the car with my parents and running through Target with a last-minute shopping list. Today I'm sitting with my coworkers, catching up on what's happened over the last week and having multiple conversations about the weather. Both comfortable in a strange way.

A Positive Side to Higher Gas Prices

Go to America right now and I will bet you money that you will hear at least three comments about the gas prices (at a minimum), whether you know people there that would discuss their finances with you (normally sort of a taboo) or not.

Returning home to the States this week, it was a little shocking that the prices have doubled since last year, quadrupled since my college days (dating myself here?). My inexpensive little Honda Accord, that gets excellent gas milleage, now costs what I would have considered an SUV-gas rate to fill up. Relatively speaking, the prices are still lower than many other places around the world (a liter is about $2 here - 4 liters in a gallon). But American have been spoiled for a long time and the car is incorporated into the American lifestyle unlike many other countries. I'm not saying it's a good thing (especially when people consider walking two blocks a hike), but it's reality.

With the change in prices, however, there has been some change in lifestyle. It's put a cramp in many people's lifestyles, even changing school schedules for some smaller-town districts that cannot afford the bus prices to transport students to school. At the same time, it's also given people the motivation to choose a healthier lifestyle, especially biking to get to places like work.

Last Monday, my friend Joe and I went for a long bike ride along the Minneapolis Greenway. It's an old, converted railroad track that goes from Uptown to the Mississippi River pathways and to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus (basically through the heart of the city). Two years ago, I used the Greenway a few times to bike to see friends or just go for a ride, but this year there was a remarkable and very noticible difference in the sheer number of people sharing the lanes. Joe told me it is now getting more and morepopular for people to usethe Greenway to get to work because it cuts down on gas prices. People simply can't afford to pay the same to drive.

Anyways, I wanted to bring this up because, as I mentioned, it's a rather hot topic at the moment (and an indicator of our American economy... can't say I'm surprised this is happening or that it's a completely horrible thing in all arenas), but also because I saw a CNN article references the same effect across America and thought it would be of interest to others. Enjoy the reading... and happy biking to some of you!

First Day Back in Japan

It's 6am on Tuesday morning here right now. I got in around 10pm last night. From door to door, the trip took me about 25 hours to get back and I was pretty beat by the time I got to the apartment, but it was a relatively smooth trip over. This past year I learned you can use a carrier service to ship yours bags from the airport to your door and not have to hassle with them on the trains (for only about $16 per bag), so I actually just sent my stuff since there wasn't really anything I needed right away. I ran into my neighbor, Chigusa, at Nishi Futami, as well, and she carried half of what I had left... not so bad.

So yeah. Short summary: the wedding was beautiful, went more than well (except me missing the first dance and flower toss because I was racing a 10-year-old in the hallway and talking to his dad about Iraq... but moving on) and we all had an amazing night.

Under the Weather on the Way Out the Door
I was planning on staying up all night on Saturday to pull my last-minute things together and make myself tired for the Sunday flight, but I also had a little problem when it was time to go. I definitely didn't drink enough to get THAT drunk or hung over at the wedding (and I was home with my parents and in bed by 2am the night before... all-nighter plans foiled), but I woke up hours before my flight basically unable to move or talk.

It was so strange that the bug just HIT (unless I was hung over), but I was throwing up all morning until we left before my flight. I was dizzy and out of breath and had to just lay down and rest for periods of time between packing my final things. It felt good to be home and be taken care of a bit... my mom just held my hand when I was too dizzy to walk... but I seriously thought I was going to miss the flight! My mom's reaction to all of it was worry, of course, but she also reminded me that we are getting older and can't really pull-off (ahem...multiple) all-nighters or push my body like I always have anymore. Not sure if that is true or exactly what hit me on the last day, but at least it made for a relaxing (because I had no other choice but to relax) end to the vacation.

As I said, it was a smooth trip otherwise, though. I was feeling much better by Detroit, could eat on the plane, slept a lot of the way and the worst thing that happened was the little old Japanese lady next to me falling asleep on my shoulder multiple times and a can of hairspray exploding in my suitcase.

Back in Akashi & Weather Woes
It feels really normal coming back to Japan... just like it did going back to college after a long break, or even coming back to Minneapolis now. I apparently missed a pretty violent storm here yesterday (typhoon?). I think we caught the tail end of it on our way in because we flew THROUGH some giant lightening clouds when coming into Osaka. I probably saw about 4 or 5 bolts of lighting at EYE LEVEL as we dropped altitude. It was awesome being so close to a storm (the lightening was really beautiful!), but on the otherhand, I am just guessing that that can't be extremely safe flying through like that. My friend Miwa's school was actually hit by lightening yesterday (shattered some windows, but everyone was OK)... if the school is a target, I can imagine a plane at the close of range would be too.

The forecast for the entire week is rainy, but it's good to come back to less humidity than I left with. It's not perfect and I am still sweating a bit, but feeling alright so far.

DAY ONE Back in the Saddle
So, yeah, I'm back and definitely recharged after a week of vacation. I didn't get to see everyone while I was home (didn't even tell everyone I was coming back due to it being such a short timespan), but I'm really happy with the trip. Funny I never made it to Ridgedale or Mall of America, but I saw some important people, got to spend some time outside (no humidity - BEAUTIFUL weather!), went around the lakes a few times and I definitely got my share of delicious FOOD while I was back. Heck, if you wanted to create a checklist... I think that would probably be it ;-)

Now I only have a few days here before I head out to meet the rest of the council I volunteer with in Tokyo to work at Tokyo Orientation for the new expats coming in. We don't have classes at school right now, either, which I appreciate because it gives me the opportunity to relax a bit and get organized, even if I do have to come in... liking the summer vibes.

I have to get going and get to work, but more in the next few days. Sayonara :)

Home. Day 4.

It's late here, around 2am. I just got back from Canteburry Racetracks (horse racing). We had a wedding event tonight and I met some of the other members of the wedding party for the first time, including Luke's twin. I also hadn't seen Kristin's fam for a year, so it was nice to see them (especially her sisters), too.

The racetracks are a lot of fun, it's hard to believe I had never been before. A lot of high school guy friends were there, so I am obviously a littel on the slow side with this trip, but it'll always be there if I want to go back.

I sort of waited and watched, figuring out what to do while talking to people for a while before I decided to go bet. I ended up taking a chance on a horse named Virgini to win, but to my surprise (and against the stats), I tripled my money on the first try. Too bad I only bet $2 :( Kristin's little sister, who is only 17, was somehow betting all night, too, though... and winning. Kristin herself walked away with $174 in profit!

I also had a sort of funny experience at Target earlier today. I was wandering around, just picking up stuff from my Japan wishlist (Colgate toothpaste, American stick deodarant, mouthwash with flouride, Trident gum...) and ran into a Japanese couple when I was looking for my razor blades and shaving cream. The couple looked really American, but they were speaking Japanese, and the woman was really frusterated because she couldn't find the small razors that you can buy in Japan (literally half-size... women use them for shaving their eyebrows and face). I listened to them for a second, realizing pretty fast what they needed, before deciding to step in. I just sort of excused myself and explained in Japanese that we don't really use the type of razors they were looking for, showed them a few things that we use instead and then told them my recommendation of what I use. The couple was really shocked and had a few questions for me about how I know Japanese (well, I'd add some Japanese...) and then ended up going with my recommendation. Very random experience, but also pretty cool. I guess there really isn't that large of an asian community in Minnesota (at least compared to other areas of America) so finding a Japanese-speaker who is familiar with the culture was really surprising for them. All that being said, a lot of Americans do have a connection to Japan (many through the war, modern military bases like the one on Okinawa and there are many who have gone there on vacation), but it seems pretty hard to get certain asian things here as well.

Alright, I need to get to bed. It's going to be a full day tomorrow. I'm meeting my friend Amy downtown in the morning, am going to get my hair cut (want to add some layers - like my new straight perm, apparently known in the states as a Japanese Straight Perm and different from a relaxer... fyi) and will take Kristin to get a manicure for the wedding. All that comes before the rehearsal, groom's dinner and hopefully a packing sessions, so I definitely need some sleep. I had to run out to Walgreens the other night to get some Sleep Aid (jetlag takes about a week to get over coming back in this direction), but the jetlag hasn't been too bad... it's just a late night.

The wedding madness has begun, however... and I can't wait. The week is flying by, but I am so satisfied with my trip so far. Even the cat is walking on the keyboard right now, which I think is a cue... more soon :)

Math Education in America

I just saw this article about the Huge math error in Katrina supply giveaway and I have to comment.

Seriously people. This is why math matters. Fine, you may never put all of those calculus equations to direct use, but a lot of people do and there is a strong need for a focus on math and the sciences in or school systems.

Not everyone likes these subjects, or wants to study them in depth... and that is fine. Everyone has different strengths, interests and passions... but there are people that embrace these fields and my point is that we need to uphold a certain standard and provide adequate training (and accurate appraisal of skill-level) if we want to get ahead or merely avoid mistakes like the one that this article refers to. This talent is what is going to make us stronger tomorrow. If you don't believe me, go back to the article above for a clear example of what can happen and why this is important. Or check out this site for inspiration (some pretty cool people and ideas)!

Freaking Out the Bride

Weird situation tonight. After dinner with Amy and Kat, I went to Kristins. She rents the floor of a huge house near Lake Calhoun. I didn't have a cell phone with me, but I also haven't seen her yet and was in the neighborhood, so I thought I would stop by to say hi.

Well, I almost scared her to death knocking on the windows to try to get ahold of her (no doorbell and hard to warn her I was stopping without a phone). Her lights were on so I knew she was home, but calling her name and saying it was "me" just made her further frightened, thinking someone was trying to break in and knew her name. I knew she might be scared or something when she didn't respond, so I went to Lunds, a local grocery store with a free phone, called her and then went back to be let in properly (through the door).

It was good to see her, hear about our plans for the week and catch up, but she had a job interview in the morning, so it was short. That and the fact her friends were circling the block in their cars - looking for whomever was trying to break in - by this point and her fiance was calling to make sure she was safe.

No harm done, but first of the wedding week stories!

Monday - First Full Day Back

Fun day today! I slept a little later than I would have liked to, but didn't have too much trouble getting to bed last night. I was ready for bed and asleep by 1am, which is good for me personally, but also for adjusting to the time difference.


I spent the afternoon today biking the Greenway with Joe. WOW that path is amazing!


Joe is always a ton of fun to hang out with. Literally nothing has changed. I got to Joe's condo a little later in the morning that I had hoped to be (well, there at noon, but that's a bit later considering we were going to bike to lunch), but it took Joe a while to put his bike wheels on and find his lock, so we ended up just talking for a long time before going anyways. My original plan was to bike from Plymouth to Uptown, but I had some trouble confirming the routes (seriously, I am not kidding when I say Americans don't bike!) and my mom was worried about me getting asaulted (in Golden Valley?) along the way, so I decided to just take the van with my bike in it to meet Joe.


We ended up biking Lake Calhoun, the Greenway (a new converted-train-track-to--bike-path that goes through the urban districts), across the awesome new Sabo bridge, down the Mississippi and back to Uptown. We also stopped at the Holy Land on Lake and Cedar for lunch, which gave me a chance to check out the asian grocery store ($200 for a rice cooker?!), and luckily could give the leftovers of middle-eastern food to my dad at the new Allina buildings. The ride was really nice and even though I am now almost completely out of shape, I wasn't tired at all during the 4 hours we were gone. We also ran into some luck at the very end when our water supply was out and we found ourselves trailing an ice cream truck. The popcicles we got hit the spot... random, but totally in line for an adventure with Joe.

In the evening, I said my sayonaras with Joe and went to 50th and France for a dinner with Katherine and Amy. Stacey, Amy's fiance was there and I really like him. It's funny to meet the person a good friend is going to marry in some ways, but so wonderful in others. He really balances her out... it made me happy. The place we went was a new Tex-Mex restaraunt and we were seated outside. We enjoyed a few Cosmos (ok to have one, maybe two, and still drive at home...) and I told them about Japan and heard updates from the year.

Halfway through dinner, thoughts about moving back started to wander through my head. I've already put down a deposit at a school in another state, I haven't actually wante dto move back to Minnesota anytime soon and am happy with what I am doing, but I have to admit I have some really good friends and a good community in Minneapolis and I miss them a lot... it's hard knowing I only get to see them once a year. Yes, they send cards and email updates, but I miss the conversations I have with them. They are smart, interested, insightful women... I love it. But then I remember that there are reasons why I left. And there is a world out there and we can always be friends... but there was definitely some pressure about coming back and I definitely absorbed some of it. It might even be culture shock. There seem to be so many marriages, so many babies... a lot has been changing with my peers. I just wish the world wasn't so large at sometimes (ironic - sometimes it feels so small) so I could be more involved or keep better contact because I do miss these people. C'leste vie but I guess I have just been lucky before. I'll see both girls again and even get a full day with Amy, but every time I hang out with someone here, all I want to do is find a way to make plans to do it just one more time.

So, yeah, I am rambling, but great day. The thing about being home so far is that it feels so... normal. I said it before (and I said it last year), but once the jetlag goes away, I guess home is always home to some degree. That doesn't mean I am going to say screw Japan and move back now ( a fear some of my coworkers admitted to upon my departure) or that things haven't changed. Of my three closest girlfriends from high school, one has gotten married since I left, one got engaged and the third is having a baby this fall. My closest girlfriend is getting married this week. I haven't talked to a lot of people in my old circles (neglecting to even tell them I was coming home because I know I don't have time to see everyone) and I am sure they have changed a lot too. Then there are the changes in my personal (love) life, not seeing the old housemates and even my brother - whom I won't see on this trip - has apparently grown up a lot (and shot up a few inches). It's not the same place it was before, but the location, however, is still the same and until that landscape changes or a few too many condos are build and the skyline shifts... it's still a freeze frame... and a lot of the same people (even though different) are still here. It feels good - just the refresher I needed!

Hawaii Layover and Back in Minnesota

Well, it took me 25 hours to get back, but I am home in Minnesota! There has been a minimal amount of jetlag and culture shock, but overall, it's hard to believe I just came in yesterday.

I was really glad I had an evening flight on Saturday because I could take my time and run errands before leaving and didn't feel like I was in such a rush to get to the airport. I planned out my route before leaving and left with plenty of time, but almost missed my plane in the end because of a girl who first stopped to help me with my luggage, but in the end really wanted to practice English. That hasn't happened in a while, but she kept stopped (while holding one of my bags) to ask questions, told me to get the wrong ticket to the airport (so I second-guessed and had to ask someone), wanted to get a picture of us together and then... I missed the airport bus I needed by about a minute. The next one had more stops and didn't leave for another 30 minutes, so I was a bit annoyed (and worried I wouldn't make it in time for check-in)... but in the end I made the flight. All's well that ends well.

During the layover in Waikiki, I hit the beach and then went for lunch at Duke's when it started to rain. It's only about 10 miles from the Honolulu Intl airport to the beach, but with a 9-hour layover, I think I would have rented a car had I thought of it earlier. The shuttle buses (about $9 each way) aren't bad, but they take over an hour and it would be about the same price for a car (not including parking... which is free near the zoo, however). To catch a shuttle back, I just went to the nicest hotel on the beach and asked the concierge if I could join their shuttle, but they just booked my own for me (even with no room... amazing service...that's why you go to the best hotel first!).

So, as I said, the entire trip home took about 25 hours (or about 30 door-to-door), but went pretty smoothly. I will admit I got a little nervous about being home after an experience on the way back. Americans are not exactly notorious for our international savviness or interest of the world outside our borders (particularly when it comes to other cultures). There are, of course, a lot of exceptions to this statement, but it is a general stereotype and I have to admit it is based on something.

Well, on the flight back, I was seated next to this 10-year-old kid who was flying back to Minnesota alone. I'm pretty familiar with the airline's Unaccompanied Minor (UM) program and have worked with kids for years, so when the stewardesses had left and the kid looked bored, I hopped into my old camp counselor-mode and said hi to make the kid feel better. The kid thought it was pretty cool that I live in Japan so I wrote his name in Japanese (katakana), showed him a book of pictures from Japan and told him some stories throughout the ride. He wanted to play video games with me and I would say we both had fun.

Well, this was all fine and good, yes, but I realized that the people in front of us were eavesdropping on the stories partway through. They were probably a little older than I am, but obviously on a business trip. I heard one of the guys lean over to the woman next to him and make a comment about the stories along the lines of, "geez, sounds like a freaking Lonely Planet or something. All those books are just the same anyways." Simple comment, yes, but I have to say that was a reminder to me that a lot of people don't care about culture or want to hear about it, sometimes just don't get it, and it was really the biggest bit of culture shock I hit all day. I'm glas I get to take these little trips home.. I can see how hitting that impression after being gone for a few years would be hard to confront at first, but otherwise, the culture shock has so far been managable.

The arrival back in Minnesota has been good, as well. Joe surprised me by welcome me home at the airport (at 5:30am!) with a little sign and invite for some Starbucks. My dad brought me home and we stopped at a little diner on the way for a big, American-style breakfast (the kind you just can't get in Japan). Then I drove my old car back to Plymouth to relax, see the family and the pets and just be home for a few hours before a swim at the Marsh with my mom and heading out to the the farm in Wisconsin (about 3 hrs rt) to pick up a few things. Most of my stuff is being stored there so we just went for a bit stopped at the diner in Dresser (yes, another small town diner!) for a bite on the way back. I still haven't called many friends, but I have plans with close ones throughout the week and wedding stuff all weekend. I know this sounds like a lot, but it didn't feel like it. I loved getting more outside time today and the weather is simply beautiful (no humidity). I am pretty pumped, pretty happy.

I didn't come home to spend a week on the internet, so I should go, but I'll try to check in again while I am here. Back safe and sound however and having a great time!!

Packing.

I am at home packing right now and it is slowly dawning on me that a lot of my stuff is never going to see American shores again. I have two full suitcases (after weighing them a few times and taking things out), and this is AFTER taking out the things I will "need" over the next year.

A year is a long time, Japan has four distinct seasons (as you will undoubtedly be reminded if you ever come here, it's a source of pride) and I am living here - not visiting - so there is a lot I can't take back. Winter clothing, especially, but I plan to try to not shop much over the next year and get the most use out of what I have before donating or getting rid of it.

So, yes... packing. My friend came over and helped me sort through the things I can part with now earlier in the week. I am bringing home some gifts, but pretty much all my necklaces, cards and Japanese suvineers, for example, are leaving now. My friend wanted me to send almost all of my pictures back, too, but I couldn't bare to part with all of them just yet. That being said, we did find a picture of my old apartment (well, when I lived with Kristin right before coming to Japan) and my friend thought it was hilarious that there was a large quantity of clothing in the background. That picture is now hanging on my door with a little note that says "You Do Not Need To Buy More Clothing" underneath it. Nice... we'll see how that works.

I left a lot in Norway after folk school (after really bringing nothing) and have never sent things home when I've lived abroad before, but it's borderline amusing watching what people are having to go through now. One of my friends who works for a marketing firm in Osaka and is leaving later this fall is shipping his furniture, etc, back and is already giving away some really amazing electronics. I had an offer for his large-screen TV, but I already have a TV I hardly watch and I don't think it will fit in my little apartment, anyways :(

Last night was the final farewell with Kelly and Tam (Yoshiko, a friend from the IFA has a big BBQ), and I said goodbye to my close girlfriends on Thursday. One of them is getting married in Hawaii in a few weeks. I can't make it to the wedding (tickets are unbelievably expensive and I am too busy with things in Japan), but it's strange to think that I am on the cusp of such a huge transition (I already REALLY miss these guys)... not to mention the fact that I will be leaving the country this time next year. We always knew this was coming someday... but someday sure came quickly!

I only have about two hours before I have to leave for the airport, so I should go. I just need to throw a few last minutes things together, but I know I am going to be a puddle of sweat once I try lugging these suitcases out (the humidity has hit, people are once again carrying towels everywhere and the cicadas are out...summer is here!), so I should enjoy the last moments of air con.

Bon voyage and enjoy the weekend :) I'm off to Hawaii for ten hours on the way to see some of my closest friends and family... I know I definitely will!

Japan loves Acronyms.

Every foreigner living in Japan is going "duh" right now, but I wouldn't consider this an obvious fact to those that haven't lived here when thinking about about the country and culture.

This is random, but I thought I would add a note about it after the last post.

Take DV. In Japan, it is widely used, and is short for Domestic Violence, often pronounced "Dee - Bwee". We joke about it a lot (sort of punching each other and yelling DV, DV), but now I am sort of wondering if there is an acronym for it here because it is so common. Maybe not so funny if that is the case.

One interesting thing, though, is that we often use English acronyms in place of Japanese words, or create a new word with the acronym that is essentially a new English word and holds meaning here... but often doesn't mean anything in English-speaking countries.

KY ("kay - why") is a good example. It is actually my favorite Japanese word/phrase right now, too.

KY stands for kuki yominai (or "can't read the situation/environment"). It is basically a word used to describe a person or who doesn't know how to act appropriately to the situation (we would probably just say awkward in English). You can use it for situations that are uncomfortable, too (like, "that situation was so KY" - meaning awkward), although I should also mention not all KY people are considered really awkward in Japan (they may be shy).

I really like the use of these acronyms (hmm, maybe because I moved here directly from working at a corporation in America?), but I am also starting to wonder if I am going to have issues with them when I get back. I mean, people here know what air con, a konbini and KY mean... but do you? Starting to forget these are not regular English words :-P

Emergency Phones Lines and Non-Native Speakers

My friend Kelly and I went down to the beach near my house to hang out and talk the other night (fourth time I had been there this week, with grading and reading during the day and a rather lovely beach picnic on a different night). There were two policemen on bicycles when we first arrived, but the area was otherwise pretty empty. We enjoyed the breeze, view of Awaji island and the sound of crashing waves as we talked. It was nice.

After a while, we started hearing yelling. It was a jumbled, muffled sound (sort of like "ar ar ar ore ar are ar") so we just assumed it was two old men, drinking, talking loudly in the local dialect and watching the water... not uncommon... and ignored it. The yelling went on for some time.

When we went to get our bikes to head home, we came closer to where the old men were sitting. It was then that we realized it wasn't two old men, but one ojisan (old man) screaming and trying to force his wife out of his car. Neither Kel or I could understand what the old man was saying, but he was using his full body weight to pull his wife (or some older woman) out of the passenger seat. She was obviously scared, fighting to stay in the car with her full body weight and pleading with him to stop. She kept repeating that she wanted to go home. We stood and watched for a minute, a little frightened for the woman and shocked, too, but when we saw the man raise his arm and bring it down hard on whomever was fighting back, we decided it was time to call the police.

I called the emergency phone number (110 and 119 are our 911s here), explained what was happening... and to my surprise, they hung up on me! We watched as two Japanese girls walked by, acted liked nothing was happening and then, when another car pulled up in the dimly-lit, small parking area next to the beach, we saw the old man get in the car and speed away (turning onto the small, man-made island).

It was getting late, so Kelly and I went home. When I got to my apartment, I went directly to my Japanese neighbor's door and explained what had just happened. My neighbor called the police and they agreed to patrol the area (to make sure the woman was not getting beaten or stranded there), but I was pretty shocked that an emergency phone line actually hung up on me.

Miwa, my neighbor, explained that they get a lot of prank calls and probably thought it was a joke, but it made me wonder what would have happened had it been a more dire situation. Would I have been able to use Japanese if I was in shock or seriously injured? I am sure they don't speak English. What would have happened had it really been more serious?

Maybe it was just bad luck, but I was unsettled, not only by the situation we witnessed (which I hope turned out safely for all parties), but also in knowing that the emergency phone line is not necessarily available to all. I mean, I was using Japanese (not great Japanese, but it was understandable)! I want to say I can't see this happening in America, my native country, but it makes me wonder... even if they do record all calls, would happen if a non-native English speaker called with a serious emergency. Spanish might be alright, but what about if it was a woman from Somalia? Is this part of the Internationalization we are supposedly here supporting in our host country (spreading understanding and making things more widely available in the face of a changing society), or would this also happen in a more "diverse" countries, like the one I am from? Wow.

Words of Wisdom for the day

Good Friends + Good Food = True Happiness

I am quite convinced one of my friends here (soon to be leaving) lives her life by these words (a personal quote). She's a smart girl, and probably all the better for taking this approach. Ironially, she's also a mathematician ;-)

Good luck to those of you packing up to go (summer 'tis the season). Remember you are not done yet... ENJOY even the last few days. And if nothing else, just follow the equation above.

The Dear Japan Letter

On the topic of transitions, I've been really busy lately and was just catching up on a few friends' blogs to see what they're up to and how things are going. This included one blog belonging to a fellow American female who moved to Japan the same time as I did, whom I have shared a community (and some interesting international travel tales!) with and who is struggling a bit with the contradicting and confusing sensation of wanting to leave Japan this summer, yet finding it hard to do so at the same time. I've been there, but not to this extent, so it's not surprising there are a lot of emotions floating around her blog right now (oh, man, makes me think next year will be interesting).

Anyways, one of the posts on this woman's blog was a list of her top things that will be missed from this country. You would be surprised what was on there (weather comments, housewives, small expensive dogs... and I actually found the No. 7 - "My Friendly Next Door neighbor" - reason choke-on-the-water-I-was-drinking funny), but I wanted to share one letter I had totally forgotten about, think is amusing and demonstrates just how far we've come in the last two years.

This letter (with picture) kind of got to me: (#4) The nail that sticks out, gets hammered down. There's a lot of different directions you could go with that saying, but my friend had pulled a picture and quote from Facebook that I thought summed up the point she was trying to make well:

4. The nail that sticks out, gets hammered down
I had had my share of celebrity-ism. This letter from Facebook best sums up my feelings:

Dear Japan,
Stop watching me do stuff... it's creepy.
Thank you.

Amendments to the agreement:
You may watch me do stuff if:
I am wearing a costume,
I am holding a cute animal,
I am driving circles around your car in the parking lot,
I am singing that song about the milkshake bringing boys to the yard,
You give me a cookie,
I am performing hilarious manzai show,
I put on a fleece Godzilla costume and follow you through a world heritage site.I could completely relate to this letter and picture in my first year, but have somehow learned to just rebuff the stares to some extent. Maybe I expect them now? Have gotten used to the attention? But I know how she feels. You hate it, but maybe you will miss it or notice it even more once it's gone?

This might not be personal growth, just survival in some essence, but I believe it shows we have been able to adjust to a new community, adapt to a different culture and accept what is not going to change (while making small strides towards helping educate others on the global community). And I guess it makes for some funny stories and raised eyebrows back home?

I can give you the blog address if you want to read more (pending my friend's permission), but this took me down Japanese memory lane a bit. Oh, Japan. *sigh*

SIDENOTE / Afterthought: Right after writing this post, I closed down my computer and walked through Takasago, the town I work in, to the train station. Down one narrow street, I passed a park where a small group of children were playing tag (or something like it where they were running around). They were obviously really into the game, but when one of the kids, about age 8, saw me, he stopped running, pointed at me walking by and yelled "FOREIGNER, FOREIGNER!" Then all the kids stopped playing, ran over to where he was, and just stood there, watching me walk by the length of the playground (down the path I walk down every day, and have for the last two years). I had headphones on so I pretended I didn't see or hear them, but I guess I may have overestimated the level to which you don't even notice the attention... it might just depend on what mood you are in... and my friend was right, it's there.

Life Update - One More Year.

This may not come as a surprise to some of you, while others may be a little taken aback (if you haven't picked up to references to changes in the "big plan" already), but I thought I would officially announce that I have decided to spend a third - and final - year in Japan.

When I first arrived two years ago, I clearly remember saying that I would be here for two years and then move on. I might have even said it would be stupid to stay longer than that. You lose touch with the reality of home (or the West), it's a long time to be away from contacts, family & close friends, and - to be honest - I was a little scared of becoming one of those bitter people I had met (mostly female) that I was sure had once been fun, motivated and interesting individuals... but had just stayed here too long.

Then I changed my mind.

I've spent two years in one country before, and weeks or months at a time in other places (Greece, China, etc) but those stays have always only been in intervals, not going more than a year in the longest span. The few months (or really, the first year) living in a new place is always exciting. There is the thrill of the honeymoon stage in a new culture: exploration and discovery; the ups & downs as you learn about cultural differences and about yourself. I've done this before and could relate to these feelings (even, niavely, tried to embrace the waves of emotion that embody culture shock when I came to Japan), but your second consequtive year is different. I left Japan and returned home for three weeks last summer, only to return to a very different place that I now knew and felt strangely comfortable in. Being home again was normal, but I had a community, friends and a life here in Japan, too. I had spent almost every weekend of my first year running around with friends, exploring, trying out new things, traveling and I suddenly found myself in the same old "new" place, but with an entirely different view. I understood certain things (and I'm not just referrng to language). The expat lifestyle can be very transitory, and while some good friends moved away, new ones arrived and I was no longer the newbie, but had sort of a senpai, experienced role to these new guys that were thirsty to find Japan. The first year was all about getting settled. And then it was different.

My second year here - the past year - was a good one. Full of travel (America, Taiwan, India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & all over southern Japan), but as much as I left the country, I also found myself drawn to the area I live in. And I suppose I expanded the parameters of where I spent most of my time and who I spent that time with. which changed a lot of dynamics. I like being in Kansai (my area of the country has a culture of it's own - sort of like saying you like the US East Coast) and I feel a connection to the people here. So last winter, while I was dealing with the emotions of knowing I was going home soon(ish) and making post-Japan plans, something changed. I continued with my applications, but I started considerig the possibility of staying. I am the type of person that doesn't really vocalize BIG things until I have thought about them a while... and I was definitely thinking. When it came time to start making real decisions, I was still on the fence about whether or not it would be wise to stay, but I decided it was something I wanted to do (and because I hadn't really discussed it with anyone at first, I knew that I was staying for me... really the best reason).

Other big reasons for staying (which I won't expand on, to spare you from length) are being able to witness and experience the entire cycle of the Japanese high school system, that my role here has been changing (not to mention my views) and I'm really enjoying working for a national NPO and staying another year will more than likely benefit me professionally in the long run because it gives me more time to prepare for grad school. It's good to know

OH, and did I mention you are only young once? I am loving my twenties and living them how I want to - growing, learning, enoying & seeing the world - no regrets. I miss people and things, but I am essentially where I want to be & I will really miss people from here, too.

Anyways, I need to get going and write a few speeches for the staff members going to Australia next week (they get to meet with the Premier of Western Australia each year... not bad), but the long and short of it is basically that there is a little more time left in this chapter. While I know the third year (to continue on the above trend) is supposed to be the one where you settle more & maybe learn more patience with things, I am excited to share it with all of you.

It's a little hard saying goodbye to some good friends leaving soon, and I know that will change things here without them, but nothing is permanent in this life and that is what makes the time we have and have had so beautiful. So here's to one more year & everything it has to offer!

Changes to the JLPT

I've written about it before, but the Japanese Language Profiency Test (or JLPT) is a very structured, level-specific Japanese langauge-ability test. Level 4 is the lowest, level 1 is the highest and you generally need Level 2 proficiency in order to work in Japan. Level 1 might be considered complete fluency - including knowing the almost 2,000 official chinese characters - but most Japanese people can't even pass this level.

Anyways, I just found out that they will be changing the dates that the JLPT is offered. It is traditionally held just once a year, in December, but it is rumored that it will be moving to a July test date next year. That means those of you living in Japan have TWO chances to take it this next year, once in December and once in July, until it is offered annually during the summer date only.

I only heard this info through a friend and couldn't confirm it online, but the JLPT is a popular topic among expats in Japan so I thought it would be good to pass on.

I also know this blog is turning into a bit of a newsletter as of late, but more posts about the weekends and such coming soon. I wrote a huge post about the weekend and about going home (NEXT WEEK!) that just - **poof** - disappeared and was too frusterated to write everything again. Working on it, though :)

US Immigration Policy Changes

Woah, check out this email message I just got from Northwest Airlines about my flight to the States this weekend. I heard they were changing the US immigration policy so that now you will fill out the forms you usually do on the plane three days IN ADVANCE so that it is easier for them to refuse people to the US (and they can cancel their tickets), but I sort of assumed it would go into affect much later. This is three days before my flight, however, so I guess not (or maybe NWA is just trying to ease people into the process changes). Crazy! Crackin' down....



**********************************************************************
Dear Northwest Customer,
Regarding NWA confirmation number XXXXXX:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires all non-U.S. passport holders to provide their country of residence and primary address in the U.S. for the duration of their stay. In order to expedite airport processing at departure, we suggest that this information be provided now. Please visit Manage My Reservations and go to 'View/Change Reservations' to update required contact information. At the same time you may also choose your seat or change seats if they are already assigned for Northwest operated flights.
If you have any questions, please click here for additional information.

**********************************************************************

As an American, I don't need a visa to enter the USA and this doesn't really affect me, but I have heard a lot about it from friends that travel through the States, are from different countries and live there or those who were planning to visit.

As of July 15th (yesterday), they are also raising the fuel charges on US - Japan flights. Apparently the increases just affected JAL, ANA and AA for now (but from $340 - in SURCHARGES alone - to $506), but NW, UA and CO are probably going to follow. I know the airline market has changes a lot after 9/11 and with more discount airlines, but it seems to be transforming more and more by the year. It's easier than it has ever been to travel internationally... but, man, they it seems to be getting expensive!

Kristin's Speech

I generally try to avoid posting really personal things online, and this is personal to not just myself, but I wanted to share something I wrote for a bachelorette party this past weekend weekend. I missed a very important wedding in America last fall because I couldn't get home for it, and I felt horrible about it (even though I couldn't do anything about it), so when I found out my best friend of 18 years was getting married this summer, I did literally everything in my power to make sure I would be home on time.
I'm only going to be home for 6 days in total and haven't been able to do as much as I would like to as the Maid of Honor for this wedding, but it means a lot that I get to share this day with my friend. So, here is the speech I wrote for my best friend's bachelorette party last weekend. She said it made her cry (and, to be honest, the memories made me cry as I was writing it as well). Here you go:

Hello to all of you and I hope you are enjoying the night. I would like to thank Kristin, Luke, everyone who helped plan the bachelorette party. I look forward to seeing you all when I return home from Japan in a few weeks and I wish I could be there with you tonight.

I have known Kristin for 18 years, since we were in the same second-grade class at Nativity, and I could not have been luckier to have found such an amazing friend at such a young age. While we started off as Nintendo and fort-building buddies, Kristin became much more than a friend to me. She became a sister. When my family moved away from Kristin's neighborhood in third grade, we somehow convinced our moms to drive over an hour to deliver us for endless slumber party weekends and play dates and we remained friends, even joining each others' family vacations over the years. As our friendship grew, Kristin's entire family also became a second family to me, and as I prepare for my trip home to America this summer, I honestly think of Kristin's wedding as I would any family affair. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

It breaks my heart that I am not able to celebrate in full all of the activities for Kristin's special day today, but I have no doubt you are all having a great night because of the wonderful friends Kristin has made along the way. I also know there is a reason she has made such amazing friends - you ladies - over the years: they say beauty at attracts beauty and Kristin has one of the kindest hearts of anyone I have met anywhere. Stunning, both inside and out.

While I have been in Japan for literally the entire time Kristin and Luke have been together (they went on the first date the week after I moved, for goodness sake), I also could not be more happy that these two people found each other. Luke is a kind, funny and intelligent gentleman; a man deserved of my best friend. I mean, c'mon, the guy actually called up the best friend - in another continent, no less - to ask permission to propose!

So on this day, I would like to make a toast to Kristin. You are a fabulous friend, a kind soul, a talented person and a gorgeous woman. I love you. We are all blessed to be part of your life.

So, to end the speech, I would like to share with you a blessing you shared with me during one of my big "firsts" - moving away from home for the first time.

So here it goes, an Irish blessing:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Kristin, I know that you and Luke will always be there for each other and Congratulations to both of you on this special occasion.

Please raise your glasses and share in a toast to Kristin. CHEERS!

Dear Mr. Monk

No way! I just got an email from Tam and our friendly monk friends from Laos have apparently been trying to contact us! I'm not sure if I wrote much about them, but this has definitely been the year for strange "romantic offers" while traveling. I got two (honest) marriage proposals in India and then in Laos, we scandalized a group of students at the sculpture park when we shook hands with the monks we had been talking to for the afternoon. I know there is an abundance of more scandalous things that go on in this part of the world than a few boys asking for your hand in marriage, and I have witnessed some of them, but it still ads a little spice to your stories when

But back to the young monks from Laos. Tam and I decided to take a trip to a sculpture park outside of Vietianne and were basically approached by these two guys who started the conversation. While their English ability was amazing, this is not uncommon. A lot of people want to practice English with native speakers for a bit, giving tourists a chance to talk to the locals at the same time (although the boys did - at one point - ask if we wanted to go back to our hotel to "practice English in bed"). They were in their early twenties and thus had only shortly started monk training (as they explained), but it is strictly forbidden for Buddhist monks in Laos to even touch women, so shaking hands goodbye (in the Laos culture, at least) was a step far beyond the lip service they had been dishing out all afternoon. A few school girls in uniform glanced and were were given dirty looks, probably for seducing them. But whatever.

One of the Brothers (not the esteemed Mr. Dala, whom I am referring to now and think may actually be looking for a future with Tam) was a little more tame and I truly believe he did want to be friends. The other one, however... still not sure what to think. It's just funny we got an email from him after so long. I am a little suspicious of him, but it's also not like we're going to see them anytime soon. I guess it's just strange I let the bright orange robes throw me, not expecting such characters :P

Earthquake Drill

We just had an announcement that there has been an earthquake. I was sitting at my desk when a calm voice came over the loudspeaker and explained that there has just been an earthquake and that everyone should get under their desks.

We've known this drill was coming, so nobody really did anything, but just kept on working in the staff room (although I would assume it'd be different if our chairs started rolling from side to side... they did during one small quake!).

Minutes later, we heard another announcement: Kaji desu, kaji desu! Now there is a fire... and the funniest alarm I have ever heard (like a plastic elephant toy). The teachers all jumped out and headed to the doors, where we stood in a line and escorted the students past, outside to the dirt-covered baseball grounds. They got in line with their classes (by class number, classes in number order and in order by grade) as the principal gave announcements and directions. A few loud boys were forced to sit on the side of the student formation as punishment for not sitting still.

After a little while, the fire chief (who looked like he could have been dressed for the civil army - sans hat, but with the white gloves) gave a speech through the megaphone as the student council president learned how to use the water hose. All of this action was positioned next to the smallest, cutest firetruck I have ever seen (although people looked alarmed that I was so surprised by the size); the rest of the students watched on. Up until 5 years ago, the students would apparently run outside and immediately form lines next to the school swimming pool to pass buckets of water (from the pool) down the line until the last student in the relay portion of this line could throw it on the fire. I am told this was also very effective.... but I would take my changes with the hose before the bucket approach.

After a few minutes of this practice, another senior teacher assumed his spot in front of the 1,000-strong student body and scolded them for innapropriate hair, dress, bike manners, etc before they were released by grade. They always take the opportunity to remind the students of staying in line when they have them all together (have heard that my school is one of the most strict in the Prefecture from multiple sources... might not be so true now, but the students all had army haircuts until 15 years ago and girls still can't have hair touching their back during school functions).

I snuck back in a side door, still wearing my inside shoes (everyone was) and then met some teachers outside for lunch. I am really happy we do these drills, because there is a realistic possibility of experiencing a large(r) earthquake in Japan and most damage is usually done by fire, anyways. I am also glad our grand plan is not to throw buckets of water from the swimming pool on the fire until it dies down... yikes.

My hometown was voted #1, baby

And THIS is why I am excited to get back to see it in a week:

Plymouth is best place to live, Money magazine says
(taken from an article by TIM HARLOW, Star Tribune Newspaper)

The best city to live in in America is Plymouth [my hometown]. At least that's the consensus of a team of writers and editors at Money magazine who today released their list of the top 100 cities with populations of 50,000 to 300,000.
The west metro suburb with a population of 70,100 came in at the head of the class and was lauded for its plentiful number of jobs, quality schools, affordable housing, arts and culture, recreation space, low crime rates and its proximity to the downtowns of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Mall of America in Bloomington and area's professional sports teams and cultural attractions.

Of course the magazine chided the city for its long, cold winter.

Plymouth was not the only Minnesota city to make Money's top-100 list. If you check out the link above (see: top 1oo cities), you'll also find Medicine Lake and French Park prominately featured. These locations are just blocks from where I grew up.

Anyways, just something fun for the day. If you're from MN or th Midwest, here are some other cities (in the area!) that made the list: Eagan came in at No. 17, Apple Valley at No. 24, Lakeville at No. 26, Eden Prairie at No. 40, Maple Grove at No. 41, Burnsville at No. 43, Rochester at No. 70 and Blaine at No. 93.

Directions to the Kobe Tunnels

This path wasn't in my "Hiking in Japan" Lonely Planet Guide, nor was there a ton of information on the net about it. My neighbor, who actually grew up in the area, asked me how one actually learns about these hiking trails when we did them on Sunday, but to be honest, I think it's all just word of mouth from people who share a love of the outdoors and/or adventure (and have discovered alternative things to do once they have exhausted the list of regular sightseeing spots).

Anyways, the tunnel hike is not very rigerous and I really recommend it, so I thought I would post directions in case you ever want to check it out (or want to remember them for a friend). Here you go:

To get to the Kobe Tunnel trailhead:
From Akashi/Kobe, you will be taking a JR rapid train to Takarazuka. The trail starts near NAMAZE station, which is one (maybe 2?) stop after Takarazuka on the local (so switch to a local once you hit Takarazuka). Tickets from Akashi to Amagasaki are actually to Osaka, so it is 640yen each way. The JR guy at NAMAZE eki will charge for the difference (about 360yen).

When you get to Namaze, they have a really simple map at the window, but not one that you can take with you. There is only one exit, with a small street outside and shops facing it. Turn right (north) and follow the road as it goes downhill (under a bridge, veers to the right). The next road you hit is a highway. Do not cross the highway (there is a red bridge across the street), but turn left and stay on the left side of the road - just follow the path.

It will look like you are walking away from the river, but keep going along the bend (veers to the right, passing a gas station). About 10-15 minutes down the road (about 1k), you will be able to cross the road (right before a big overpass bridge). There will be a little street going down towards the river. Follow the road along the river (going upstream) until you hit the path going up into the trees on the left.

When you first walk up the little path (made of dirt), you can turn to the right or kind of go straight... go right. Once you start on this path, it's a straight shot the whole way (all along a dirt trail). The trail is an old train path, so you will be walking along old tracks for most of the path, but it is fairly flat. There is no need for hiking boots, but I recommend tennis shoes because the actual train tunnels can be rather muddy and you can't see where you are going.

The hike will take about 2 hours and you end at another train station (right after a national park) where you can take the train back to Takarazuka. They also have cafes and stuff right before the station. We had shaved ice on the balcony over looking the river at the first ship, which was fun, but the \second little cafe is MUCh cheaper for beer if that is what you are after (look for the discount beer sign on the window... 300yen!). We didn't get into this place, so the view may be much prettier from the deck on the first one. We saw signs for an onsen (natural hotspring) a little ways further on the road, so it might be an option to bring a towel and go for a soak after your hike.

Again, I really liked and recommend this hike and the cool tunnels are nice in the sweltering summer heat. Don't go without a STRONG flashlight for the tunnels, though, and I recommend bringing your camera to capture some of the pretty views. Finally, a fail-proof peice of advice that I was given: If you get lost, ask someone with a walking stick ;-)

Term 1 Grades are F.I.N.I.S.H.E.D. !!

Ahh. In the last week (or so), I have written four tests, corrected 300 hundred essays & another 300 hundred tests, counted thousands of bonus points (each a slip of paper with a name/student number on the back), entered all these grades into Excel (including another final for 300 kids), baked peanut butter cookies with my ESS club and practiced doing STEP Test Interview Tests with all my kids...


And you know what, I feel pretty darn good about it! :) Finally FINISHED!

In addition, can I just say that the Tokyo Orientation Guidebook is FINISHED, and while my personal social life is a little crazy right now (SOOO many goodbyes and people I wish I could see more, anyways), I'm feeling so much better now that these things are checked off the list.

Right now, I'm working on a sponsorship proposal for my volunteer stuff - so it's not all over yet - but it's better.

Classes are cancelled today and tomorrow for a school-wide sports day where classes from different grades get to play each other dodgeball, volleyball & soccer. This is something these kids definitely deserve... (so do their teachers!).... so I think it's time to get off the computer and get outside to join them! More to you guys later, but for now... time to play... <>!

Nicotine Gum

A note to all of you smokers in Japan: it might be time to think about investing in a good nicotine gum program.


My kanji isn't all that great (i.e. I can't really read in Japan), but a friend pointed out some new posters hanging at the JR Sannomiya station this week, prohibiting smoking and walking in the area (punishable by fine if you are caught).


Ok, the walking and smoking I understand. Alot of people smoke in Japan, and while smokers are generally good at staying in restricted areas, a lot still smoke in crowded areas... even though it is considered really rude (and can be). This is, however, just the beginning of a huge wave of changes that have started to affect the nicotine-addicted community of Japan.


A few months ago, Japanese cigarette machines converted to a new system called TASPO, where smokers are required to send in a registration form for a special ID card that they must scan in order to use the tabacco vending machines. Along with Taspo, many convenience stores also stopped selling cigarettes at all (which is surprising because these shops, or konbinis, have become a fixation and major element of Japanese popular culture - so I am sure they are losing a lot of money by doing this).


Here's the kicker with all of these changes, though; the posters we saw in Kobe also confirmed that cigarettes prices in Japan, which are actually lower than in most western countries, will soon rise almost 300% (or more, depending on the brand). Yes, they will be comparable to Norway prices (sorry, easy comparison) at about ￥1,000 a pack ($10). I just checked the machine down the block, and a pack of Marlboro is currently ￥300.

Taxes are definitely a good way to curb underage smoking and I support the TASPO efforts, but I am curious how soon the price increase will take place and to see if it really had a serious effect, other than making a serious dent in a lot of peoples' wallets for a while. Let's just hope they don't try to hit up the caffeine-addicted community soon!

Human Damage Delay

The train delays have been awful lately! My friend Lena has had to wait over an hour at least three times in the last two weeks or so and even the Shinkansen was delayed ("until further notice") out of Tokyo on Tuesday when someone jumped the tracks in Shiga-Prefecture.


I hate to admit it, but it's a pretty commonly-known fact that the main reason for these delays is suicides. Suicides currently happen at an average rate of 100 per day in Japan and it is not common for a train to be late because of them (it's actually the only reason the train is ever late... and it happens a lot). I will admit that they recently changed the train times, so the crossings now don't seem to match-up as well, and this is causing delays... but there is still too much death. What is even worse, when people decide to jump in front of the train, their family is rwsponsible for paying for all the train delays, damages and clean-up fees (so it's a final way to spite them if you decide you want to go)... and they are messy. The shinkansen that caused Tuesday's delays apparently still had blood on the front when it arrived at Osaka station.


Anyways, I met Kelly in Sannomiya (central Kobe) last night for our hair appointment. We met at the JR station Central exit and when I arrived, Kelly pointed -out that there is now a large, electronic status board in the next to the train time boards, showing when and where train delays happen. The surprising thing to me was that in addition to showing what line was delayed and to what extent, they also gave a reason at the top of the baord (sort of like a breaking news" story), and last night it read "Human Damage Delay." I've heard that some trains announce that there has been a suicide when delays happen, but this is the first time I have actually seen or heard them talk about the suicides and I was surprised to see how they decided to phrase it.

Chicken Soup for Japan

I was just researching our sponsors for the national organization I am working with and came across a company called Alexandra Press when my search crossed with a list of the Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) sponsor list.

Alexandra is a small publishing company based in Japan, and I was impressed when I read they were responsible for publishing Being a Broad in Japan (a great book for women living here). I dug a little further and found they also just published a Japan-edition of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

I couldn't find the book on Amazon, but thought I would share this this article about the Chicken Soup for Japan book. Might be sort of fun to check out!

Singstar Rockstars

I went to dinner with some friends last night and had some of the m0st fun I've had in while (especially considering I didn't even have to go anywhere). Actually, I've been a very lucky girl this whole weekend with all the adventures, fun people visiting and good company.


The food last night was utterly incredible (and I learned you can get garlic butter across the street, which makes me excited... yes, I know that is strange). More than that, though, I have to comment on the video games we played.


I am not much of a video gamer (rarely even turn on the TV), but I found a game I LOVE! My neighbor just bought the Singstar Karaoke program and it is fabulous. It's essentially just a karaoke program, but they had such good music and some really cool functions. You can even record your voice over the artist and then play it back alone and upload your track (and the video) to the internet! Granted, it revealed just how awful I am at karaoke (who cares... I still love it) and this is starting to sound like an advertisement for Singstar, but this program is amazing.


Anyways, I had spent the afternoon correcting papers on the beach, but I was hoping to only stay at dinner for a littel while and get home and do more marking before bed. After a delicous dinner, the game and a run-in with a poisonous mukade (like a centipede) at my friend's apartment, however, I ended up staying too late. It was worth it, though, even if I did pass-out with a red pen in my hand!

Happy 4th of July, America :)

Ahh, Friday.

I'm sitting at my desk right now, headphones on, trying to drown out the sound of my voice over the loudspeakers (OC listening test). I actually learned this morning that, in addition to making English obligatory from the 5th grade (elementary school), they might get rid of Oral Communication in my prefecture in a few years time (or at least give the students the option of not taking it). With less need for Oral Communication-teachers (and more emphasis on grammar and reading... yes, more), I can see those changes affecting the number of foreigners working in the public school system. A lot of changes are in the works. All in the hands of the mighty BOE...

I had a really great night last night. Kelly and I went to the Nepalese restaurant in Befu for the first time in over a year. I remember the place being really expensive, but the prices weren't bad and the food was excellent. I ran to Harimacho, where Kelly lives, and then rode a friend's extra bike to Befu, but it started to downpour and lightning during our ride over. It's a wonder they even let us in, we were so soaked! I actually had a lot of fun reminiscing about our January trip to Kathmandu, however. We were basically the only customers in the place, so we decided to eat Nepalese style - with our hands - and had fun talking to the girl that worked at the place about our trip and where she was from. All the staff came out to say goodbye to us by the time we left. Kelly and I both let out a little sigh when we walked outside and realized we were still in our little surburban, Japanese town, but it was a good get away for the evening (can you tell I am ready for a vacation?). We weren't looking great after the rain, but Kelly and I decided to do a few purikura (picture stickers... something else I haven't done for a while!) before heading home - just for old times's sake. No rain on the ride back and I actually watched TV for a while before bed for the first time in ages. Very relaxing. Very nice.

Anyways, I really do have a lot to do so I should get going, but my home Internet is down (it's the Macbook...again... same issue as last fall!), so I may not be as accessible for the next week or so. More on that later, but for now, just one more thing to say:

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA!

Happy celebrations to all of you in the States and have a great weekend!

Feeze Kobe, anyone?

Have you guys ever heard of the freeze projects, where a big group of people literally stop what they are doing and freeze in one place at a certain time (and for a few minutes)?

It seems they are usually held in big cities, but I don't think there has been a Japan one yet. Pretty hilarious...I would definitely want to do this or at least see one!

My question is, how you get involved? Plan it yourself? (anyone interested?)

Sleeping at Work

Sleep Deprived Nation... Michael Moore's next film?

Maybe. It does seem like America is becoming an increasingly sleep-deprived nation, also the focus of a recent study released by the Nationa Sleep Foundation (of America).

I was just skimming the CNN site and found an article about Americans sleeping at work. While most people think it's just funny (which, ok, it is.... although sleeping on the job is generally not accepted in my home culture), I clicked on the link because sleeping at work is one of the few unversally shocking aspects of this culture that many foreigners discuss during their first few weeks (or years) working in a Japanese office and I was curious to see what they said.

In Japan, People just SLEEP at their desk like they are actually being paid to do it... something I originally found surprising for such a stereotypically driven and hard-working nation. When you consider the group-mentality factor, it makes sense (if you are physically present you are part of the group... and that is most important), but I still have yet to snooze off at work (especially at my desk). Some of my friends have taken advantage of the cultural difference, but maybe just not me.

Anyways, the basic premise of this CNN article/sleep study is that Americans seem to be picking up on this trend, apparently not too far behind the Japanese. And while it might not be fully accepted in our culture (as it is here?), it is more common than ever. In a recent poll, one-third of (American) workers reported falling asleep on the job. I am not sure what sort of business climates they were researching in, but the survey also showed that some companies are also offering workers a nap room or free fruit to help stay away (hello... what happened to coffee?) to help curb the estimated $100 billion that is lost in productivity (health care costs, absenteeism, etc) by these tired workers that could be that much better with a few more ZzZ's.

I am not sure what the situation is where you work, but I can't imagine people sleeping on payroll at my old workplaces in the US, so this was rather interesting. Granted, I worked with some insanely driven, talented and motivated people (retail - especially corporate - is a crazy world), but I just don't see it being appropriate anywhere. If you're bored, check out the article; just a but of food for thought.

Left: Coworkers during our school festival.

My Friend and Her Pretty Shiner

I was just correcting the second-year Eigo Hyogen (English Expressions) tests and came across something kind of funny. Here's an excerpt from a section where the kids were supposed to write about a good friend:

My Friend
My friend is a girl.
She has a black eye.
She has a long hair.
Hair color is black.
She playing the piano very well.
I often listen to the sound.
It was very sweet and deeply.
She is very kind.
I am very happy.
Because I have a good friend.

Kindly refer to the sentence in red, above. Without having lived in Japan, you might stop for a second and say... "um, what? What happened to the girl with the black eye?" but I've corrected so many journals now that it takes less than a second to know that this student is referring to her friend's eye color (most Japanese people say they have black-colored eyes).

I showed this to the teacher next to me, asking her to write the actual translation for a real black eye (in Japanese) next to my explanation/correction, and we started talking about black eyes.

First of all, I guess this very girl actually did have a black eye last year. Her parents gave it to her when she was "fresh"... I'm not going to get started on that issue, but yeah.

Secondly, however, I learned that there are many songs about black eyes in Japan as they are considered very beautiful (black eyes actually means beautiful eyes... apparently). Many poem also include black eyes in the title.

I personally am a little on the minority side with the green eyes (although I did have two shiners in high school - one swimming accident and both eyes when I had surgery senior year), but there's actually so many shades of brown eyes among the "black eyes"... it's sort of fun to learn about another fold in the different concepts of beauty between our cultures.