Got my bike tire fixed

After my extra LONG weekend, the work week is now done. Nothing really exciting has happened, I've pretty much just been chilling for the last couple of days. On Wednesday Rokudai-sensei came to get me and we walked over to the bike shop to get my busted, front tire repaired. The cost was 820 yen(just under $8CAD). I left, the bike shop and rode to the video store to return Grey's and saw some of my students practicing for their club activities. I didn't know they would be at the school...actually didn't even see them, I heard them yelling "AMANDA-SENSEI! AMANDA-SAN!" And I almost rode into a ditch waving to them lol.

Today and Thursday were regular work days. I spoke to mums and pops on the phone yesterday. Pops and I figured out how to call and text my cell phone after many attempts. OH! I made my official first repayment to OSAP(student loan) on Wednesday and it felt great! The first step toward freedom I tell you. I'm sitting here listening to "You Got Soul" on CHRY online. Shout out to Clive all the way live from 105.5 LOL. Matter of fact, I think I'm gonna give him a call. That's my time, I'll be back!

I can see you!

I was just on the couch chilling and watching Aladdin when my cell phone rang. I see "incoming video call on my screen". I accept and I'm having a call where I can see who I'm talking to! Yes I was freaking because I couldn't believe my eyes. It's so cool! I can video call on my cell phone, are you kidding me? I just got super excited so I called Khaleelah and told her and then I called her back on a video call. The expression of shock on her face was exactly the same as mine. Anyway, that's it, that's my story. I just got excited and wanted to share that tad bit of information. Good night, back to my Aladdin watching.

Frankie Paul Weekend

When I wrote last, I was getting ready to leave the house to see Frankie Paul. We got to Radix Nite Club. Before we walked through the door I could hear the sweet tunes playing. We met up with Percy, who gave us complimentary tickets. In Japan, when you pay admission to a club a drink ticket is included. So instead of paying 3500 yen to get in, we paid 600 yen(for the drink ticket). Not bad if I may say so myself. We entered and headed straight to the dance floor...the music was soooooooooooooo good! I don't understand how I had to come to Japan to meet all of these artists, it's too funny. Percy came and got us and we met Mr. Frankie "Dancehall" Paul. His performance was really good, his voice sounded like it was a recording. For an old man he sure can still belt out a tune. Near the end of the night Christina, Khaleelah and I went outside to talk to some of the people and take pictures. This Japanese girl was trying so hard to be a Frankie Paul groupie, but the man wasn't paying her no mind. I guess she doesn't realize he's pushing 60 or 70 years old and can't bother. The man was tired, and all he wanted to do was get in the car, go to the hotel and sleep.
Back in the club now, this Japanese dude was getting on my last nerve. It was about 4:30am, maybe later...I'm soooooo tired from being in the sun all day for the sports festival and I'm basically sleeping while standing. The man comes and taps me bout "hi"....steups! you do realize I was sleeping right? I say hi and put my head back down....why does he keep trying to have big conversation with me. I'm thinking to myself "ok Amanda just breathe..." I almost lost it when he tried to put his arm around my back, I moved his hand and motioned with my hands not to touch me. I shouldn't have to say know 5 times before you understand...yea I may be a foreigner but I think no is pretty universal. Some other Japanese girls found the whole incident funny and started laughing at poor dude. I decide to move myself now, and go sit on the table behind where Khaleelah was wining up on the rasta man (don't let her tell you any different, I was too tired to get photographic evidence), and I caught some shut eye. Next, this rasta man...42 might I add comes and hugs me while I'm sleeping. I almost went off, but he got my drift and left me alone. Don't mess with me when I'm over tired...ask Mums, she'll tell you. We left the club about 5:30am because that's when the trains start running and went straight to bed when we got in.

Monday we were supposed to get up and go shopping in Osu, an area in Nagoya, but instead we lazed around for the most part and left the house just after 6pm. We got there, walked around, ran into so many African men that wanted Khaleelah's phone number hahaha oh gosh, you just had to be there. This one guy with his hair blown out, and dressed like he was something out of a music video was trying to talk to Khaleelah with gangster mannerisms. I kid you not. Then he had the audacity to say something like, "I meet other Black girls in Japan and they don't want to talk so I just say F you Biatch"....ummm yea, so Khaleelah told him 2 things about himself and we went on our merry way. He looked so oblivious, like he couldn't understand why what he just said wouldn't make her want to talk to him anymore. The stores started closing so we headed back to Nagoya station. We had dinner at an Indian restaurant called 'Maharaja'...I have no words for how wickedly amazing the food was...sigh. Just after 9pm we parted ways and I headed back home to Aioi. I got home about 12:25am, called OSAP, started my budget and went to bed.
I was so tired last night, I slept until my body woke up today. I think I got out of bed about 11:30am....tiredness is a serious thing. I want to clean my apartment from top to bottom today, wish me luck....now if I could only find a regular mop! Geez.

PICTURES ARE HERE!

First work weekend

Yesterday preparations for the sports festival started, and although I wasn't doing anything I had to go in. I was in the staff room for most of the day finishing up the name tags. After work I went to Himeji to get some track pants to wear today. I headed to Uniqlo and stumbled upon some WICKED bargains. Other than the track pants that I went for, I bought a pair of linen pants for 500yen(just under $5) and khaki shorts, with suspenders included for a total of 390 yen! So needless, to say I was very happy. I got back home and instead of going into the shower and washing my hair like I intended, I spoke to Rashida, Erica(e-diddy) and Menai in Brooklyn on skype. After speaking with them, I packed my bag for the weekend...Khaleelah, Christina and I are going to see Frankie Paul in Nagoya. Showered and went to bed.

This morning woke up at 7:15, made breakfast, took my video camera and camera off their chargers, dressed, packed my lunch and headed out to get to school for 8am. The Futaba JHS Sports Festival started promptly at 8:30am. The students had a good time participating and having their families there cheering them on. I swear it was like a community event the way people came out to support. Just before lunch I was asked to run the 100m with the grade 1 teachers. I was up for it, so it was a go. During lunch it was decided I would run anchor. All I could think is "oh Lord, what are these people expecting from me! I am so tired!" Everything went smoothly though, I ran anchor and we won our race. Kyouto-sensei(vice principal) videotaped the race and another teacher took some pics. All in all it was a really fun day and a great experience.

Now I am sitting in front of the computer at Khaleelah's house. I got in about an hour ago and now must go get ready for the jam tonight. As usual, pictures will follow...just be patient! Okie byeeeeeee!!

Oh, by the way I have a 2 day work week. This is a long weekend and because we worked on the weekend we get the next 2 available work days off...I love Japan!!!

SPORTS FESTIVAL PICTURES!

Figleaves

Today was a regular day at work. I made some more desk/name tags for the students I saw today, which again made the day go by quickly. Unfortunately, I can't say TGIF because I will be at work tomorrow and Sunday for the sports festival. I don't really know why I have to be there tomorrow...I guess because the other teachers will. I will basically be in the staff room for the day except for when I decide to be the bottom of a pyramid again. What did I get myself into? Suzuki-sensei told me to make sure and bring something to kill time....I wonder if I can play music on the computer at work hmmm...

So during my idleness today I found myself doing some online window shopping. There is this online bra shop in the UK called figleaves...2 words, DA BOMB! They have EVERY size under the sun...lawd all kinda size meh neva know exist! I'm talking 30GG, 38JJ, 34F! Did you know these sizes existed? I know I sure didn't. Well, I ended up ordering 3 bras...that's BIG for me(no pun intended lol). I can't wait to get my order in the mail, 5-10 business days and you'll be hearing about it. For all the ladies...and men who know ladies who have a hard time finding the right bra size, check out www.figleaves.com.

Up To Date!!!

Yessssss Finally! No more endless typing of events that happened in the past. Okay so today was a normal day. I had 2 classes, grade 1 and 2...I started making name plates so I can try to learn some of the students' names. I had them ready for the grade 1 class and they enjoyed them. I didn't do too much after my lessons. The day went by really quickly because I was busy photocopying, cutting and pasting. At the end of the day I watched the boys' volleyball practice for about 20 minutes and then came home. I went to the grocery store to pick up some toilet paper and a few other things, came back home, stir fried some green peppers, onions and garlic (don't want my green pepper gift to spoil now) and ate that with the left over curry shrimp and rice. I finished eating and realized it was time to tune in to Island Xplosion! I called in and Presto put me on air even though I said no! You punk! It was jokes though. He was killing Khaleelah and I online with all the chuuuunes! I basically have been at the computer since I finished eating at 8pm, it is now 11:49pm, but guess what? I'm up to daaaaaaaaaaate!!! Alright, time to finish the last episode of this Grey's Anatomy DVD and go in meh bed! Good niiiiiiight!

No Classes

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Woke up at 7:35am, left for work at 8:15am. I had no classes today because there were more sports festival rehearsals for the entire day. It was HOT outside! Hot to the point that I had to run inside to the air conditioned staff room after 2 hours in the HEAT...and we all know I'm not a fan of a/c. I typed up alot of my journal entries for this here blog, I'm almost all caught up! I got my itinerary confirmation, e-ticket and receipt fro my trip home for Tams' wedding! At lunch the same lady gave me some chicken balls on a mini skewer, they were just ok. I spent the rest of the afternoon inside until it was time to leave. I watched the girls' volleyball team practice for a bit before I left. Shortly after I got in, Sakane came by with a lady to measure the size of the fan over my stove. They were going to change it, but realized the type of fan I have just needs a filter. They left and I made some curry shrimp with green peppers and rice. I ate dinner, then rode to the video store. I came back and watched movies until about 11pm. Chatted online briefuly, showered and went to bed about 12am.

Soca Therapy To The Rescue!!! & Holiday in Himeji

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Got up about 11am, ate breakfast and watched some Cosby. I really didn't do too much today. I cleaned the bathroom and did some laundry, chatted online, cooked and basically veged for the rest of the day.

Monday, September 17, 2007

I woke up at 7am because I had set my alarm so that I could listen to Soca Therapy online. Today is a holiday, "Respect for the Aged" day. During the radio show I finished my laundry, folded the clothes that were on the line and hung the rest out to dry. I spoke to Khaleelah and Troy a few times. I put my futon out over the balcony to air out in the hot sun. Japanese people hang their futons out because the heat kills/prevents any possible mould or bacteria forming. I decided I wanted to go to Himeji to walk around some more. The city is so huge that I barely covered 1/4 of it the last time I was there. Troy was bored so he debated meeting me there. I decided to wash my hair at the last minute so it could air dry since it was blazing hot! I got dressed and headed out about 2pm. On my way to the station Troy called to say he was on the train on his way to Himeji. I wasn't sure how I felt about this, he seems cool but I didn't want to be hindered from exploring freely. We met up at Himeji station and started walking toward Himeji Castle. We decided to pay and take the tour since we were there already. The place is huge and very beautiful! We did tons of walking around the compound and on the way out, I bought a souvenir mug. We found a place to eat where we had unagi(bbq eel) and rice. Afterward, we found an underground mall where I shopped to my heart's content. Headed home and got in around 8:30pm. While in Himeji it POURED rain, all I could think was "shoooooot! Meh bed wet!", literally. I forgot the futon outside and of course one half of it was soaked. I left it out overnight and slept on my comforter. I was online for the rest of the night and went to bed just after 12:30am

PICTURES OF HIMEJI CASTLE

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I got out of bed at 7:40am and got ready for work. I knew it would be a tired day. Got to work and I was asked to judge the class banners for the upcoming sports festival. It was a hard feat. I got Suzuki-sensei to translate what they meant and then made my choices. I taught 2 classes for the day, one being my first class with the special needs(they call her handicapped) student. She has a room all to herself on the lower level. She is very bright, and caught on quickly to what I told her. I really don't like the idea of her being isolated, except during PE, music, fine arts etc. I mean, yeah she needs special attention but...man I dunno. It just didn't feel right.

I was done teaching for the day at 11:40am. I stayed in the staff room and struggled to stay awake. I took a walk around the school and took some pictures of the flowers. Back inside, I studied some Japanese vocabulary, ate lunch and fell asleep while reading in the lunch room. Woke up not too long after and spoke with kocho-sensei(principal) and showed him my pictures from the weekend. Afterward, I went outside to watch the students practice for the caterpillar race and before I knew it, it was home time. I rode to 7-eleven and paid my electric bill for August then headed home. Checked my email then fell asleep for 4 hours. I guess I was really tired. I woke up at 8:18pm, made pasta, had dinner then went to the Kawabe supermarket at 9:20pm(it's open until 10pm) to pick up a few things. I got back and chatted online. Ian and Rashida called and I spoke to each of them for an hour or so. I was so happy to hear their voices, it was really nice talking to them. Trust me when I say I was so happy for the rest of the night. I chatted with Herc until just after 1am, had a shower and went to bed at 1:55am

Green Peppas & Himeji With My Supervisor

Friday, September 14, 2007

Woke up at 6:39am, laid in bed until 7:20am. Got up and got ready. Put together my lunch and left at 8:15am, got to work at 8:25am. The track and field coach came into the staff room and thanked me again for helping run track practice the day before. She gave me a bag full of green peppers as a present...I wonder if she knows I like my belly. I was in the staff room alone for a while afterward as the whole school was outside practicing for the sports festival. Rokudai-sensei called to say he would come by to get my signature for my insurance. He came by shortly after, I filled out the sheet, signed and made a copy for myself. I chatted online with Mums Saada and Ericka, emailed back and forth with Khaleelah about the upcoming weekend. I went outside to watch some of the practice and applauded the students as they were finished and heading inside for lunch. I swear the littlest things make them happy..they were ecstatic that I was applauding them on a job well done. During lunch, the lady that shares out the food gave me some type of chicken mixed with egg (da bomb!) and a rice ball(onigiri). I left work at 1:30pm to wait for the internet people to set me up. I dropped the movie off at the video store on my way. I got home, seasoned some chicken and around 1:30pm Sakane came by. The NTT staff came shortly after, then Rokudai-sense and then the same salesmen that came a few days prior. My internet was up and running after about 20 minutes as well as my ip phone(modem phone). I shared my freshly made brownies with everyone. They kept saying oichi(delicious) and had seconds and some thirds lol. Rokudai-sensei arranged to pick me up for 8:30am the following day to take me to a foreign food store. Everyone left and I started to upload some of my pictures online to add to this blog. I went to bed just after 12am.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Woke up at 8am, got ready and chatted online while waiting for Rokudai-sense to pick me up. He called at about 8:45am saying he was downstairs. We drove to the foreign food store @ Aeon mall in Himeji. The mall is HUGE! We walked around the 2 floors and went into the electronics store to look at the cameras. Rokudai knows staff in there so if I decide to buy my camera there, he can get me a discount. We left the mall and went to 2 recycle shops. They are like second-hand stores, but better. I bought a sleeping bag for ￥800 (just under $8 CAD) and was also going to buy a blender, but decided to wait and keep looking. We drove back to Aioi, I relaxed for the rest of the day. I talked to Mums, Shiniece & Cassandra on Skype for the first time using the webcam. It was Mums first time period so she was kind of giddy, just staring at me on the webcam. It was hilarious to see her facial expressions. I went to bed fairly late, I can't remember the time.

Brownies & An Unexpected Call

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Woke up at 7:28am, showered and got ready. Had bakery bread and egg fro breakfast with OJ. I blasted Ushers "Confessions" as I went through my morning routine. I left at 8:15am and took the mini bike pump with me because the front tire was looking flat. Got to school at 8:25am, first class at 9:50am, second class at 10:50am and that was that. My first new lesson started. I did plurals with the grade 1 class and expressing quantity and location with the grade 2's. Afterward the students were practicing for sports day, so I watched the grade 3's first and then the grade 1's after lunch. What a nice way to work..outside, enjoying the HOT sun, while taking pictures of my talented kids. They were all so excited that I came to watch them according to one of the teachers. I wanted to try a pyramid with some of the girls but the period was over. Suzuki-sensei said they needed one more person and asked if I wanted to join them on sports day. Of course I wanted to. He told them and they were all smiles. I spent the last hour of the day in the staff room online. 3:20pm came and I was ready to go home, but I roamed over to the gym and got caught up joining the boys' basketball practice and shooting around with them for a few minutes (Shut it up Che, I am leaving he little boys alone). I left school at 3:50pm, got in and chilled for a bit, headed to the 100 yen shop to get measuring spoons and cups so I could make brownies. On the way back, I went to 7-eleven to copy the back of my id card for and application, then rode over to the post office and sent the application off. I found out that the manager of 7-eleven speaks fluent English! She lived in San Diego for 1 year and her brother lives in the states. I went home, made brownies while watching Cosby 1st season. Ate some brownies and vanilla ice cream(mmmmmm), talked to K, showered and then loaded my pictures from the day onto my laptop. Mom and Dad called to check in just before I climbed into bed. Went in at 11:23pm and wrote my journal until 11:40pm...bed time!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Woke up at 7am, laid in bed for a bit and the phone rang at 7:17am. It was Neddy! My second call from a friend at home. We spoke for about 25 minutes and then I got ready for work. I left at 8:10am, took out the garbage and headed to school. I taught my only class of the day from 8:50-9:40, then watched some of the students practice for sports day. I practiced with some of the grade 1 girls doing a human pyramid. I was lucky enough to be on the bottom. They couldn't balance, which was quite funny. I had lunch and then we practiced again afterward. We got it after 3 tries. I was outside enjoying the sun for most of the day. After school I practiced with the track and field team. I showed them some stretches, drills and warm up exercises. I stayed with them for just over an hour and as I was leaving to go home the baseball coach called me over and wanted me to throw around with the girls' team. I told him I couldn't stay long and left 15-20 mins. later. I rode home, got through the door and went straight into the shower. I put on my nightgown and chilled out for the rest of the evening. I watched Cosby and then 'One Love' on more time. Spoke to K and headed to bed just after 9pm.


SEE SPORTS FESTIVAL PRACTICE PICTURES HERE!

The Morning After & Good News

Monday, September 10, 2007

Woke up to my alarm at 7am, pressed snooze so many times and slept until 7:40am. I rushed like a mad woman to get ready, eat and be out of the house for my normal time. I got to school after struggling to ride up the hill I signed in and was ready to cool out until my 3rd period class. Suzuki-sensei came and asked if I was ready and I must've had a funny look on my face. They made a mistake with the schedule, just my luck, so I had a 2nd period(8:50am) class instead of a 3rd period(9:50am) class. Like I expected I was so busted. I got through my lessons just fine, but sitting in the staff room was torture. I just wanted to SLEEP! Khaleelah and I sent texts back and forth all day until lunch. I ate and couldn't hold out anymore. I went in the lunch room and caught a nap on the couch. I was so paranoid, but whenever teacher's or the VICE PRINCIPAL came in, THEY were trying to be quiet to LET me sleep. I couldn't understand. Every time I woke up it was like "you had a long, busy weekend...long travelling, you tired, rest"..umm HUH!!?? As accommodating as my co-workers were, I got up after 20 minutes, and struggled through the rest of the day. I swore I was going straight to sleep once I got home. Of course that didn't happen. I realized I was not cooking because of tiredness and made a trip to the grocery store for some fried fish to have for lunch the next day. I made some brown rice in the rice cooker, watched 6 episodes of Grey's Anatomy on rental DVD and went to bed just after 11pm.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Woke up at 7:30am, showered and got ready. Ate breakfast, I've been doing great with that since I got here..besides I can't really afford to get sick over here(although I do have health insurance). I made a veggie and cheese omelet and ate it with the fresh bakery bread I bought yesterday. I headed to work for my last day of my introductory lesson, thank the Lord. It is crazy teaching every class in the school, 420 students to be exact. Throughout the day I kept thinking 'it's September 11th...it's been 6 years...wow. A rough time for so many people' I had 2 classes for the day, with a couple of class clowns but I couldn't help laughing. They listen and are eager to learn so I can't get mad. I got through the day and left after school to drop the DVDs back to the video store. When I got in around 4:20pm I called Rokudai-sensei because I got mail and of course I couldn't read it. Just before I left school, I spoke to Ian online. He said he was going to call..I was half expecting it because I knew he was really busy preparing for the Amnesia Anniversary @ Koolhaus. Anyway, Rokudai came over to tell me what the mail said and also came as the bearer of good news. The BOE(board of education) was going to buy me an adapter that I originally was going to have to rent from NTT, so that I can make calls home via an IP phone. They are buying the adapter therefore, my only expense is the 9 yen/min when I call home! They really treat me well. We then left my apartment, because I needed to pick up some more ground chicken for my pasta. The portions are so small, so I had too many veggies for the small pack of ground chicken that I had. I went to the store, came back in, cooked pasta and continued watching 'One Love'(yes I rented it again). I went to bed just after 11:30pm.

Reggaex-plosion 2007!!

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Woke up and out of bed at 10:42am, moved in slow motion while getting ourselves together. We left the house to catch the 2pm train by taxi. Took the JR train from Naka to Nagoya station, took the subway line from Naka to Fugioaka and then a monorail-type subway line to the park where the festival was happening. Walked a short distance to the park. I swear things were so well planned out by the organizers. As SOON as you step out of the train station, there is a table with 3 people just in case you get lost or have any questions. We proceed to the gate to see a big sign that says "NO CAMERAS"...you know your girl, of course that can't go down so we make a move around the back of some building to conceal the weapon..err I mean the camera and go about our merry way. I tell you I felt like I was at harbourfront at one point. All the food and craft vendors, people milling about enjoying the outdoors with the live bands playing on stage. It was such a SWEET vibe. We made our way to the food vendors (of course) to say hi to Percy, then walked around to the other vendors selling merchandise. We met this Jamaican guy named Troy who was making bracelets. I was watching intently trying to give myself a visual lesson as he weaved away. We sat and ate some goooood jerk chicken...like the real jerk chicken on the corner in Kingston, Jamaica...my gosh it was good! We realized after a while that we were slacking BIG TIME! I heard Miss Marcia Griffiths on the stage and had to make a mad dash for it. She was great as always. Then came the sexy man named Da'Ville (sigh), then Esco, then The Messenjah himself, Luciano. Amazing voice and stage presence. The man was doing flips on and off the stage and his voice didn't falter, not once! The timing of the festival was impeccable. We were told it would end at 9pm the latest, it ended at 8:30pm! The show was done and I should have been rushing to catch the train back to Nagoya so I could get home at a decent time, but nooooooo. We end up backstage because I was determined to meet Luciano...the one thing I wanted out of the whole thing. Little did I know I would also FINALLY get to meet Marcia Griffiths and to top it off Da'Ville(sigh) and Mikey General. Sugar Minott was there too but he was acting fool fool, wanting to be seen kinda ting. I was in heaven, Da'Ville is a really cool guy, with a sense of humour and it doesn't help that he is fooooooooooiiiiiiiine! ...I mean, well it does lol. But forreal, we had good conversation with him. Anyway, we took pics, got autographed pictures and we headed to the train n disbelief. I swear my head was spinning and I had a headache. I MET LUCIANO!!! Ok, so we got to Nagoya, got my bag from the locker and went to by a shinkansen ticket to Shin-Kobe where Percy's friend Sammy would pick me up and drive me home. Caught the train at 11pm and got to Shin-Kobe at 12:13am. Met Sammy outside at 12:45am, he stopped off to get his Cd's and we were on our way. Two hours later, still driving...that blasted Percy had us under the impression that the ride would be MUCH shorter. 3:40am and we pull up in front of my building. I was tired, hungry and cranky because this man been trying to give me lyrics like a damn fly in my ear...big tough back, way older man...NO SAH!. I couldn't show my irritation, he just drove 3 hours to get me home safely. NO, I don't want you to leave me your car to drive when you go back to Jamaica, steups. Anyway, I praised the Lord so many times for getting us there safely and prayed that Sammy would get back just the same. I felt SO BAD! Even though I had no idea it was so far. I gave him 3, 000yen and went up to my apartment. I called K to tell her the madness and went straight to bed just after at 4am. Man, I was dreading my work day.

VIEW THE BASHMENT PICTURES HERE!

Nagoya for a day

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Woke up at 10:06am, lazed around before actually getting up and making the bed etc. Helped K fold her laundry. ate some cereal, sent pops an email and without hesitation watched 'One Love' yet again. Got ready and we left the house at 12:55pm to catch the 1:27pm train at Naka station to Gifu, then Gifu to Nagoya. We first went to Zara(yup there's a Zara in Japan), where I bought two tops. Next was The Body Shop and then Lush. By this time we were dying of hunger and went to a Chinese restaurant to eat. We had shrimp fried rice (called shahan), chicken caesar salad and fried chicken pieces as an appetizer. The food was NUFF and it was GOOOOD!! My Lord, at one point I couldn't talk..after talking for a while we left and walked to the foreign food store. I bought 2 boxes of Betty Crocker, cake mix and brownie mix. We caught the train back to the house and stopped on the way so I could pick up my Lilo & Stitch bathroom set. We got in, showered and napped from 7:30-10:20pm. We got dressed and left the house at 10:50pm. We rode our bikes like mad women to catch the train, I swear I felt like I was in a spin class. Of course we missed the train so we took another line, the Metetsu. We ended up back on schedule to meet Christina at Tsurumai station in Nagoya. Heading to the club, we walked up the wrong street for about 10 minutes. We figured out the right route after asking 2 Japanese dudes where the club was. Took a cab to the club b/c we didn't want to walk all the way back. I swear I caught NUFF jokes all night. First it was the wannabe dancehall queen dancers on stage, then it was the Japanese fella who was trying to dance with me and I swear it looked like he was being electrocuted! I doh know wha de ass he was doing. Then according to Khaleelah I gave this other guy the death stare of a lifetime that turned him gay LOL...she is such a fool! We left the club at 5:25am, caught the 5:38am train and fell asleep all the way to our stop. Riding our bikes back home was hilarious. Tiredness, delirium and Khaleelah trying to take pictures of me riding were all so funny. I felt and therefore looked busted, so there was no way she was taking my picture...properly(you'll see what I mean when I post pics). I rode with the towel over my head. We got in, showered and went to bed just after 8:30am.

Got my celly & Off to Gifu

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Woke up at 6:30am, got ready ate breakfast and headed out at 8:05am. I was outside my door and had to go back in for my jacket, then I forgot my juice in the freezer and next I got all the way downstairs on the elevator and forgot cutlery for my lunch. Geesh! I had 2 classes back to back and both had great energy. The second class asked me to come back and eat lunch with them, so after class I heated my lunch in the staff lunch room and walked back with Suzuki-sensei. He informed me that this was a first, the students had never asked an ALT to eat lunch with them so you know your girl was feeling nice! After lunch I had one more class, then back to the staff room for the rest of the day. Rokudai-sensei came by to tell me my id card was ready and that he was going to pick it up for me. He needed my hanko and proof of application for the id card. After work he picked me up at my apartment and we went to the Softbank mobile shop. The woman helping us was EXCRUCIATINGLY slow...I swear we were there for about 2 hours, no exaggeration. After tons of questions, explanations, mistakes spelling my name, recording the wrong apartment # etc. it was finally over. I had my ketai(cell phone). I was given a goody bag for opening a new contract, which I found quite funny. In it was a rag, frisbee, about 30 travel packs of tissue, a bag and some big plastic sheet that I have no clue as to its function or purpose. We left the mobile shop and stopped at the movie store so I could return my rentals. We then went to the Chinese food restaurant across from my house so I could order dinner. I had planned to cook dinner, but the blasted slow woman took all of my energy, so shrimp fried rice and fried shrimp it was. Rokudai-sensei ordered for me. He made a point of coming with me since he knows the owner's very well and wanted to make it clear to them that whenever I go there, they are NOT to put pork in anything I order. He's too sweet. So, he dropped me home next door to drop off my bags, then I rode back to pick up and pay for my food. On the way back home I discovered a liquor store 2 minutes from my place. The joy I felt when I saw that they sell Amaretto. For those of you who know me, you know one of the only alcoholic drinks I have is Amaretto Sour. You don't understand, I searched grocery stores high and low...yep, I said grocery stores! They have liquor aisles in the grocery store. It's crazy. Went home, ate dinner and spoke to mums and Khaleelah. I played with my new celly, listened to music and went to bed.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Woke up 6:58 and out of bed almost half an hour later. Got ready, made sure bag for the weekend was packed and put it by the door. Ate breakfast, made my lunch and closed up all the windows since I would be in and out just to grab my bag after work. Got to work at 8:20am, did the usual online and writing my journal. Today is a tired day although my 2 classes went very well. The grade 1's are very energetic and eager, the grade 3's are quiet at first and get more involved as the lesson goes on. At lunch I gave the staff craisins, which they absolutely love. I ate my lunch and checked the train schedule online. Was online for the rest of the day chatting with mums, Ian, Del, Shiniece & DOC. I left work at 3:15pm so that I could get home in time to catch the 3:51pm train to go to Gifu. I rode home, put down my work bags, grabbed the bag by the door and left. At the train station I saw Jamie, he was going to Himeji. We took the same train and chatted along the way while catching nuff jokes from the high school boys on the train. One came up to me and said nice and loud "where are you from?" to which I replied Canada. He repeated "OHHHH CANADAAA" and he and his friends started making up noise. Then he noticed my earrings and asked "Bob Marley?"...I nodded yes and another one of his friends ran up and started motioning like he was smoking a spliff. I laughed sooooooo hard, hard to the point I was standing up and had to bend over...what did I really just see? Jokes. The next joke was trying to exchange cell #'s with Jamie. He was showing me how to use bluetooth, but we both weren't thinking. I turned my bluetooth on and he went into his details to send them to me, then tried to find my phone. If we were thinking, we would've realized we were on the train...on a train where everyone and their god sister's, friend's daughter has a blinkin' cell phone! So, needless to say ten thousand phone models popped up on his screen...it was pretty funny, you just had to be there. In the end he just called my phone and I saved the number. I switched trains in Himeji, then Kyoto, Maibara and Gifu. Khaleelah met me, we went to get the other bike and rode to the movie store. We rented 'One Love' and 'Redemption' because she insisted I see the former since I hadn't before. We got to her place and tried to organize with Latoya via skype for the reggae festival we were going to. The train ride sounded too much for her. After a few hours, I twisted K's hair while we watched the movie. I nearly died! Ky-mani looked so hot!! I was having convulsions and couldn't concentrate on what I was doing. We watched the movie twice. I finished K's hair at about 4am, she was falling asleep, bobbing and weaving while I was finishing her hair. She went to bed, I had a shower and went to bed at 4:28am.

First Lesson & Visit to Himeji

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Woke up 5:45am, back to sleep woke up at 7am...hit snooze twice and got out of bed at 7:30am. I wasn't tired, but I was moving in slow motion. Mums called at 7:50am while I was half dressed and half lazing..just simple procrastination. I hadn't eaten yet and wasn't focused on time until at 8:05am mums asked if I should be leaving. Got off the phone, inhaled a small bowl of cereal, finished dressing, grabbed bags and headed out at 8:15am. I was in the staff room by 8:25am...I love being so close to work. I finished preparing materials for my first lesson while online during the day. I chatted with a few friends online. The lesson came and went from 11:50-12:40, I wasn't nervous and it was hot like fire in the class room. Had lunch and then taught my second class from 1:25-2:15..that class was jokes. They were older and more lively than the first. The first question they asked when they had the chance was if I had a boyfriend and next was how many boyfriend's I've had. After class I was back in the staff room and online until the end of the day. I left school at 4:15pm, went to the video store to rent Grey's Anatomy DVDs and 16 blocks then went home and started watching them. Rokudai-sensei called to say he was done work and could take me to the mobile shop. We went there, looked at the phones and discussed the different plans, but unfortunately I couldn't buy anything because I needed my id card. After the mobile shop, we went to Joyfull foods across the street because he wanted some coffee. He bought me some ice cream. His wife called while we were there, she was close by with their daughters so they came by to meet me. He has paternal twins, Yuki & Saki, who are in grade 1(grade 8) at my school, his wife's name is Kumiko. We left them, and he drove me home. I swept my room, living/dining room and kitchen, then popped in season 1, episode 2 of Grey's. While watching, I made some curry potato to add to my lunch for the next day. Dad called to check in briefly. I ate dinner, read the cell phone brochures for a while and went to bed around 11:55pm.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Woke up 6:55am, laid in bed until 7:40am. Got up got ready, made a veggie and cheese omelet with toast for breakfast. Headed out at 8:20am, in the staff room at 8:28am after riding my bike like a mad woman. No classes to teach today because the students had tests. I was in the staff room online ALL day. Updated some of my blog, chatted with Mums, Ericka, Thomas, Jeff, Everton, Haashim, Najat, Keron and Kerwin. I did some reading and left work at 3:45pm after having a lesson on how to say the time on the hour and on the half hour in Japanese courtesy of kyouto-sensei(Vice Principal). Got home and put Usher 'Confessions' on blast and relaxed. I decided to get on the train and go to Himeji...left the house at 4:20pm to catch the 4:51pm train. I rode my bike and saw Carol and Jamie on the way. We stopped to talk for a little bit, then I headed on my way. I bought my ticket for　￥ 380 at the discount machine, parked my bike and caught the train. I got out of Himeji station and started walking through this huge outdoor mall, stores galore! Around 7pm I was walking and all of a sudden Monica's 'Before You Walk Out
My Life' came on over the loud speakers...why was I SO HAPPY, grinning from ear to ear. I was walking, smiling and singing out loud as though I was in my house...such a NICE feeling of happiness and relaxation came over me. I found Uniqlo, tried on clothes like crazy..ended up buying a few things. I spent about $40 CAD and walked out with at least 5 things. Aside from that I bought a bunch of Lilo & Stitch things from the 100 yen shop. After my shopping I walked back to the train station, stood in line to buy my ticket and caught the train at 7:40pm. I got to Aioi, rode my bike home and was eating dinner while watching 16 blocks at 8:15pm. Mom called during the movie, we spoke for about 15mins., then K called. I finished watching the movie and went in to bed around 11:30ish. I stayed up for another 4omins or so teaching myself how to do the Afghan crochet stitch before falling asleep.

Leaving Gifu & 1st day of work

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Got up at 10:50am to go to the bathroom, went back to sleep and woke up at 12:30pm. Lazed around, talked foolishness with K, ate breakfast, checked my email and got ready to leave after changing my departure time twice. I caught the 3:27pm train at Naka station, got to Aioi at 7:41pm and took a cab home for ￥630. I got in the door at 7:58pm, turned on the TV in time to see the men's 800m finals while sorting my laundry. After tinkering with the machine to make it fill up with enough water, I finally did my first load of laundry. Put my clothes and bags together for my first day of work. Hung my clothes out to dry on the balcony, then got ready for bed at 11:05pm

Monday, September 3, 2007

Woke up at 6:05am, then 6:50am, rushed into the shower, put in some bread to toast while getting dressed. The toaster oven didn't seem to be working and I discovered the convection setting on the microwave. I ate and left the house at 7:25am, took the garbage out then headed to work on my bike. Got to work at 7:40am and rewrote my short speech after Tsukahara-sensei looked it over. At 8am I sat with my Kocho-sensei(principal) to chat a bit...he was nervous about the first day of the 2nd semester, or so he said. I practiced my speech with him, and then went to say a few words to the teachers in the staff room at 8:10am. Kyouto-sensei(vice principal) addressed all of the teachers, I guess they were having a mini staff meeting prior to the assembly. Headed to the gymnasium about 8:25am where I practiced on the mic with kyouto-sensei who said my Japanese pronunciation was very good. The students assembled into the gym and shortly after they were addressed by the principal. Show time was at 8:45am...I heard "ALT" and knew I was up. I walked up the stage steps praying I didn't trip, bowed Japanese-style before starting and it was on. I was much calmer that I anticipated while up there. I finished, they gave me a standing ovation...ah lie, they were already standing lol, I bowed and headed off stage. As I got off the stage the principal and vice principal greeted me and told me I was good. The principal presented awards to the students who participated in summer club activities and all I could understand was "basketball title" lol. We were back in the staff room just after 9am and I went online...at my computer, at my desk(tee hee) to look up some banking info. I worked on the intro quiz for my first lesson and searched the net for ideas. Rokudai-sensei(supervisor) came by to have me sign some documents, and was impressed after listening to my speech. I told him I had a toothache for 4 days and he said he would take me to the dentist. I was told I could leave early, so he told me to go home and to call him in an hour @ the BOE and he would pick me up from my apartment. I left at 2:15pm, rode to the video store to get my membership, then went home and called Rokudai. He picked me up at 3:45pm and we went next door to the dentists' office(also my building owner). Rokudai-sensei filled out the new patient forms and we waited at most 10 minutes before I was sitting in the dentist chair. He looked at my tooth, saw swelling, took an x-ray and was back in another 10 minutes to put tetracycline on my gums. The dentist then went to the front desk to give me some medication...of course I asked the name of everything and what they were for even though I knew I probably wouldn't take them. He gave me a pain killer, antibiotic, a rinse and an anti-inflammatory. Talk about misuse/overuse of antibiotics.
Next Rokudai and I went to the post office because I got a notice in the mail. My bank card had come. Next, went to the bank so he could show me how to withdraw and deposit money at the ATM. Got back home, hung my laundry out to dry, chilled for a bit and then started on my poster boards for my intro lesson. Realized some of the pictures I wanted hadn't printed so I left and rode around to the different supermarkets looking for photo kiosks...no luck. I picked up a few groceries etc., and went back home to finish preparing my lesson. I spoke to Shiniece and Che on the phone then went to bed at 12:05am

Long awaited reunion

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Woke up at 6, then 6:30. Showered and got ready, took some vitamins and didn't eat breakfast b/c it was too early for me. I left the house at 6:45am, after talking to Shiniece & Cassandra, and walked to the station. Got to the station at 6:55am, went to the ticket agent to find out what track I had to go to, got the train pass stamped by another agent and went down to track #2...so far so good. Got on the train and arrived at Maibara station at 10:23am on the dot as scheduled. From there I looked up at the schedule board and saw the next departure time I needede and headed to the corresponding track. Left Maibara @10:38am. Japanese people are ON POINT with their timing. My last train transfer was at Gifu station. While the train was stopped at Osaka, it looked like police/JR employees were chasing someone down the platform. I'm not entirely sure, but everyone outside the train was looking on intently in their direction. Then all of a sudden people were running off the train to the other after an announcement was made and I'm sitting there thinking "awww man, what should I do? what did they just say?" I went with my instincts and stayed put b/c according to Khaleelah's directions I stayed on one train to Maibara. I had a great people watching session at Osaka station. The styles are so random, everyone seems to do their own thing, except the young ladies that you can tell are clearly influenced by the Western media.
I start work on Monday and I have yet to write my introductions, let alone think of it other than the 2 lines I know in Japanese...maybe K can help me.
Got to Naka station and K came riding around the corner about 10 minutes later. We had a happy, reuniting embrace then went to her friend Hong's house to pick up the key for her other bike. We went to the bike lot, got the bike then rode to a nearby grocery store. They had PINEAPPLE mentos! Of course I had to buy them, and I also bought a bottle of Malibu rum to take home. We rode to K's house and chilled out. I checked on facebook and saved some pictures to print at Max Valu for my introduction. Later on we rode to Max Valu, put the prints in, went to Daiso, another 100 yen shop and then back to pick up the pictures. Some Brazilian men were breaking their necks and staring us down..it was quite funny. We rode back to the house and had a nap before getting ready to go out. We went to a Jamaican(Japanese-owned) restaurant, had jerk chicken with rice and peas and no jerk lol, but it tasted good and the mango juice reminded me of Hamdi's. We talked to the owners who K knows and their friends were there as well. The offered us a ride to the club in Gifu. We rode the bikes in the rain...I mastered the art of riding and holding an umbrella...to the bike parking lot at Naka station and they picked us up from there.
We got to the club and a night of interesting events started while we were in the elevator when this Japanese dude started touching my hair! I said out loud "Lawd fadda help me" while Khaleelah laughed and our new Japanese girlfriend told him to stop with a frim "NO!" Her man forgot his ticket in the car so we parted ways at the door. We paid 3, 000￥, entered the club and staked out our spot by the stage. Saw some funny, weird and interesting things all night and had many laughs. We left just after 2am to escape the second-hand cigarette smoke that was burning off our throats...went to the 100 yen shop downstairs and bouth 2 Lilo & Stitch bags, then went back inside for a good set from the dj. We left after 5am, spoke to one of the dj's/promoters, G Conqueror(Japanese dude) and his friend Percy(Jamaican) who has lived in Japan for 7 years. We exchanged info. etc, then left and caught a cab to K's house...we were too busted to ride the bikes. We got in after 6am, I had a shower, some peppermint tea and then went to bed around 7am...it was day break!!!

VIEW PICTURES HERE!

School Visits & Welcome Enkai

Friday, August 31, 2007

Che called about 12:30am(11:30am previous day EST) and we spoke for about half an hour. He told me about his trip, I told him about mine etc. Went to bed and woke up about 5:50am, went back to sleep and got up for a bathroom break at 7am...lazed around and got out of the bed at 7:40am. Got up and got ready, left the apartment at 8:30am. Got to BOE at 8:39 and we left for Futaba JHS(I am there from Sep. 3-Nov.30) at 9am. We were going to go around to all the junior high schools. I met my 3 JTE's(Japanese Teachers of English), Suzuki-sensei, Tsukahara-sensei and Kawamoto-sensei who teach grades 1, 3 & 2 respectively. The grades are the equivalent of 8-10 back home. I met the principal and we talked a bit about his travels. He lived in NY for 1 year working as an air hostess, but worked with American Airlines as a sales rep for 30 years so he is able to speak English. His name is Shimizu Kocho-sensei(Principal) and the Vice Principal is Maruyama Kyoutou-sensei. From Futaba Rokudai and I went for lunch on him at a Japanese restaurant. I had some fried Japanese red fish, rice, salad, potato salad, soup with noodles and Japanese pickles which I didn't eat. For dessert was vanilla ice cream with 2 pieces of mango on top of fruit cocktail and corn flakes. It was GREAT! After lunch went to Naba JHS(will be there day after I retrun from Ja-Feb. 9) and met the principal, VP and 2 JTE's then drove to the country to Yanogawa JHS. This school seems far! It will be a trek on my bike to get there! Apparently the bus isn't convenient to get there. I met the JTE, Kimoto. I will be at this school from Feb. 10-March 31.
This has been a LONG day! I'm feeling really mash up. The other teachers are conversing and I'm clueless so I'm writing to occupy my time and to keep myself from falling asleep.

We left Yanogawa, went back to BOE and the rest of the day I was free until dinner when Rokudai-sensei would pick me up at 5:45pm for my welcome enkai. I got home at 3:50pm, put in Amy Winehouse and chilled on the couch eating Ritz. I got my omiyage ready at 5:15pm and got dressed by 5:30. I went downstairs at 5:40 and waited about 10-15 minutes. We headed to a Japanese restaurant around the corner from BOE. The seating was traditional. I ate tons of food and it wouldn't stop coming! I caught nuff jokes even though I didn't understand half of what was being said. It was like they didn't want to go home! We left the place @9pm. I was going to go to the station to buy my ticket to Gifu, but Miyamoto gave me her train pass to use at a much cheaper price. So my next worry was getting home in time for the 200m finals. I got in at 9:10pm, turned on the TV and lo and behold they were just lining up to start the race. God is GOOD! Oh yea, the alcohol kept coming too!...and after all that fuss about the tolerance in Japan being ZERO for driving during the orientation, Rokudai-sensei drove me home with one of his co-workers in the back seat! I prayed for travelling mercies.
Dad called to check in at 9:50pm. I prepared my bag to spend the weekend and K's, watched China win the men's 110m hurdles, then I headed to bed about 10:30pm.

PICS OF SCHOOL VISITS & WELCOME ENKAI

Meet the Mayor & Bed bugs???

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Woke up 5:55am and fought waking up until 7:05am. Got up showered, ironed clothes, got ready and was out the door at 8:35am. Got to the BOE and Rokudai-sensei gave me my hanko (stamp..will explain later) and I paid 5, 000￥ for it. By 9am we were in the mayor's office chatting it up and having Japanese tea, which I had to hold my breath and swallow to drink. A photographer came by to take pictures for the Aioi city newsletter. Apparently something will be published about me next month. The mayor gave me his Samurai sword replica, I was so shocked! I was just admiring it and out of nowhere he was like "please have it". You should've seen my face. We then went to the bank to open my account and from the bank Rokudai-sensei drove over by the train station to show me how to use the discount ticket vending machine. We went back to the BOE and I was free for the rest of the day. I got in at 11:15am, then rode to the store around the corner to get new Lilo & Stitch (our love has been rekindled) seat cushions and a bath towel. I came home to drop them off, then I headed back to the 100 yen shop via a different route. I bought some new dishes and cutlery then headed home and got in around 3:30pm. I spoke with Tamla and Khaleelah for a bit before heading back out at 6pm to roam the city library, but it was closed. Headed home, stopped at the Chinese restaurant for some fried rice and got in just after 7. I continued watching the track and field meet in Osaka, spoke to K again as we were watching the races. Had a shower, watched more track and field and headed to bed at 10:50pm(9:50am EST) after playing spider solitaire on the laptop.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Woke up 7:30am and stayed in bed until 8am. Watched TV, read, did some cleaning of the study and lit some kush incence. It smells like heaven. Rokudai-sensei called just after 9 to say he would come by around 2-3 because the NTT staff(cable, phone, internet ppl) would come to see about the internet and english channels for the cable. Dad called around 10:30am to check in. I listened to Skimpy's WICKED cd and then did some more reading on the couch before falling asleep. I woke up around 1:45pm, had lunch and Rokudai and Sakane came by shortly after. Sakane helped me figure out the multiple bottles of cleaners under my sink by showing me what they were used for and I wrote their use in English on each. We went over how to use the washing machine again. NTT staff came about an hour later and explained their rates & services while Rokudai-sensei translated. Although their deals seemed really good I felt overwhelmed and didn't want to decide on the spot. I told them I would make up my mind and call my supervisor in the morning. After everyone left I watched track and field for a while. I left the house about 6:45pm to buy some juice. I ended up with 3 cartons of juice, a pint of ice cream, hershey creamsicles, a pumice scrub and ziplock bags. I doh know why I can't just go for what I have on my list and done. I rode back in a rush hoping that I didn't miss Perdita's 110m hurdle finals race. I talked and watched with Khaleelah on the phone, we celebrated as Perdita captured the silver medal...I swear my neighbours must hate me. I called Alison and celebrated some more!
At 9:50pm(8:50am EST) Moms called from work, we spoke for about 15 minutes. At 10:45pm I got ready for bed. I thought about taking the train to Himeji the next day..whether permitting I would visit Himeji castle. Put in Chico DeBarge cd and got to bed at 10:55pm.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Woke up at 6:55am and went back to sleep until 8. Showered and put tea tree oil on the rash that has developed on my butt cheek over the last two days. I have absolutely NO IDEA how it came about but it's red and itchy...annoying as hell!! I pray it's nothing to worry about. I had toast with butter and jam for breakfast. I finished reading my first book about Japan afterward. For lunch I had a noodle bowl, then got dressed and went to BOE to use the internet. Dad called just before I left. While at BOE I researched and found out about bed mites/tatami bugs and found remedies! THAT is what is on my butt!! Went back to the apartment around 3:15pm b/c I forgot my wallet and headed right back out to the store to buy the tatami mat bug spray. Got back in about 4:35pm and got right to spraying the tatami. I'm not sure if I was supposed to, but I used the whole 300ml can. While spraying I got a call from Nate, another ALT who got my msg on the Hyogo message board. We arranged to meet at the station just after 5pm. He said "just look for the white guy" and I couldn't help but reply "just look for the Black girl." Met him in front of Aioi station by the big anchor and we rode back to the apartment so I could meet everyone else that was home. I met Jamie & Carol(married) from Sydney, Laura from Britain, Jeff from Seattle and of course Jeff who is also from Seattle. Seattle is Aioi's sister city. There are others that live in the same building but they were out for the evening. We all went to Jamie & Carol's apartment and chatted for a bit, I left at about 6:30pm and on the way home found a bookstore near the station. Walked around, took some pics of the magazines and got home at 7:10pm. I started preparing some curry shrimp and veggies to eat with rice for dinner while watching the worlds' in Osaka. I spoke to Khaleelah to organize our my trip to Gifu and our plans for the weekend. I caught a serious bout of laughter while watching men's long jump after the Black, Italian man came from 4th or 5th place to take the lead. A woman on the Italian team, maybe his coach or wife, caught a serious piece of spirit in the stands. I haven't seen anything this funny in a while. The woman had to hold on to the railing while her other hand was on her head. I laughed soooooooo haaaaaaaaaaaard. I called K, who saw it too and was laughing...then her celly rang and it was Tamla who had also caught the joke. I was dozing of during the 200m heats, but that woke me right up. I headed into my room and bed just after 11pm.

VIEW PICTURES HERE!!!

Settling into my apartment

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Woke up at 6am, took pics of my apartment and finished unpacking while listening to Beres. In Japan they are big on garbage disposal, so I took some time to sort my garbage into burnables, cans/steel, bottles, paper/cardboard & cloth etc. I spent time figuring out how to call home, called mom and spoke to nieces. Called Dad and he was on his way home from work and called me back. He stayed on the phone for 28 minutes and 15 seconds...this is a record for him! For those of you who don't know he always rushes me off the phone. This is a sample convo:

Me: Hi, what you doing? How are you?
Dad:Fine, I'm at work...okay you finished?

LOL no joke, so I was quite impressed. Then called TELL(Tokyo English Life Line) to figure out how to make a local call to Khaleelah.

Then sorted through stuff left by my predecessor, spoke to Khaleelah, went grocery shopping with my supervisor. Spent 13, 672￥(approx. $130 CAD) on groceries and 16, 712￥on things for the apartment. Got back to the apartment, installed my new towel rack, fried some Shumai and ate my first meal in my place with some pineapple juice. Then put together the paper towel rack before having a nap until about 6pm(5am previous day EST). Just after 8pm I went back to bed.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Woke up @6am after fighting to stay asleep for what felt like hours...this is really the land of the rising sun. Watched Cosby show on dvd, did some cleaning, ate some frosted flakes then watched more Cosby. Sorted through stuff in the closets, cleaned the kitchen, seasoned some chicken, boiled and ate more Shumai. Dad called and talked for 5:43...yes I feel the need to document the length of our calls now lol. I made some pasta, ate and watched more Cosby. Organized my earrings, scrubbed the shower/tub from top to bottom with VIM, washed my hair, got dressed and headed out to explore Aioi on my bike. I found the 100 yen shop(dollar store) and went crazy! Two hours and $30 later, I left with about 30 items. Got home and while locking my bike, I met 2 guys from the Phillipines named Elmer and Sarudo. They are fairly new to Japan as well. I got inside at 7pm, lit some incense and read on the couch for about an hour before going to bed at 9:30pm. Dad called at 10:30pm(9:30am) to ask what the password was to unlock my cell phone and then I went back to sleep.

Monday August 27, 2007

Woke up at 6:10am(5:10pm) and tried to fight it by putting my pillow over my head to no avail...put in Ray Robinson cd, got out of bed, got ready to go to BOE for 9am. I had a breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast. I left the house at 8:35am. I got to the BOE and was sitting down in front of Rokudai-sensei by 8:45am. We went over my contract and then walked across to the Aioi city office to apply for my resident id card...better known as the alien registration card but I don`t like how that sounds lol. Rokudai-sensei and Sakane took me to another grocery store(Max Valu) and showed me where things were that I may need. I was going to buy watermelon, but they told me to put it back because their boss brought some in and they would give me some. We got back to BOE, I said goodbye to everyone and I was free for the rest of the day. I rode home, 5 minutes later Rokudai-sensei brought me the watermelon and waited until the NTT cable guys cane to set up my TV...only Japanese channels for now but it is better than a snowy screen. I gave him some pineapple juice, he insisted on washing his glass, which I later took out of the strainer because I wasn`t satisfied with the running water and hand washing technique that he used. After everyone left, I stripped and fell asleep for 2 hours on the couch. This place is HOT like fire!!! Woke up, ate and headed out to do more exploring of Aioi for about 2 hours. I went to the flower shop and bought 2 plants, went to co-op(grocery/dept. store) bought a few things and got home at 6:50pm. I cooked some stew chicken and made some rice. After I ate and had some watermelon Mom called and we spoke for a while. I washed my hair and twisted it while watching the world`s track meet in Osaka. Went to bed at 11:30pm.

Farewell Toronto & Time in Tokyo

So it has been 2 weeks since I`ve been in Japan and I have been keeping a daily journal with LOTS of detail...so needless to say this will be loooong. I will try to precis each day since my arrival to the best of my ability. Enjoy! (Keep in mind, that I am 13 hours ahead of you)

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

The flight was great, it wasn`t as long as I thought it would be and they fed us like there was no tomorrow! Every time I turned around food or drink was coming and to my surprise the food was decent. We landed at Narita airport at EXACTLY 3:20pm(2:20am Tuesday) as scheduled, by 3:40pm in line for immigration and at 4:20pm had our bags, cleared customs and were greeted by a bunch of volunteers in turquoise JET(Japanese exchange teaching programme) tshirts. On the bus at 5pm headed for Keio plaza hotel (2 hour ride) where we were greeted by more volunteers who led us to a room to get name tags, info bags and room keys. Our bags were brought to us and we headed to our rooms. I roomed with Leanne (Missisauga) and Alex(andra)(New Brunswick). We showered, dressed and headed out to roam Tokyo in search of food. Found a cute little sushi bar in this area that looked like Manhattan. This place was neat, 2 sushi `chefs` in the middle making random rolls, and putting them on a conveyor belt so you could pick up whatever u felt like eating. Two rolls on each plate, plates were certain colours for each type of roll so they knew how to calculate your bill at the end. I spent the equivalent of $5. We then walked around the pachinko arcades, headed back to the hotel where all rooms had internet access. Chatted briefly, updated my antivirus, put on my pjs and was in bed by 10:30pm(9:30am EST). I was busted tired from a long, eventful day

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Woke up at 4:25am(3:25pm EST) to have a bathroom break and took forever to fall asleep. Woke up again at 7:30am, stayed awake and sat in front of the mirror to twist my hair. You should have seen my hair! Got a wake up call at 8am and the other girls got up, we got ready and went for breakfast 10 mins. b4 it was over and stayed 15mins after it was over lol. Breakfast was buffet-style: scalloped potatoes, veggies, scrambled eggs that were mush as hell!, pork bacon and sausage which I didn`t touch...wouldn`t have even if I ate pork, cereal(rice crispies, cocoa puffs, frosted flakes, corn flakes), yogurt, fresh fruit, toast buns etc. After eating, went back up to our room to get ready for a day of long, boring and somewhat informative workshops. The highlight for me was the bowing lesson(see video below). Lunch was 12:30-1:30 and consisted of curry veg., sticky rice, veg. soup and some tasty rolls. Afternoon was more workshops, with the last one being a prefecture mtg. where we were told we had to pack our bags and take them to the lobby by 5:30pm...it was 5:10pm when we found this out. In the room it was a mad dash, felt like I was in amazing race. In the evening they had a dinner banquet for us with government officials present. Dinner buffet: fried rice, noodles, 2 types of chicken, sticky rice, shrimp and veggies, fried shrimp, some dumpling like shumai, bean sprouts, veggies, sushi bar, tempura bar and free drinks. Japan is a real drinking society. They had at least 5 diff. litre bottles of beer at each table designated for each prefecture group. I had a glass of OJ. After the dinner banquet the chair of the Jets of African decent (JETS AD) was going to take all of us out...all 4 of us, but decided since there were only 4 of `us` that she would invite everyone and their momma...I wasn`t feeling that vibe so I stayed in. My roomies went to roam the city again, I chatted with an hp assistant to fix my keyboard layout and was in bed by 10:30ish.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Woke up at 3:30am(2:30pm) for a bathroom break, I swear my bladder is confused lol. Got a wake up call at 6:45am, got ready, packed, checked email, brief chat and headed downstairs to check out then eat breakfast. Ate as much as I could in preparation for the long day ahead. Met our prefecture group in the lobby at 8:40am then walked from the hotel to Shinjuku train stn. Bought tix for 13, 760￥, took the local train to Tokyo station. What I heard and imagined about packed trains, I experienced. At one point I was butt to butt with this older man, then I felt a woman`s pubic bone on my butt, then I felt a next man`s knee was between my legs which I wasn`t having so I squirmed free. At Tokyo st. we waited transferred to the Shinkansen(bullet train) at 10:36am after an hour wait. Took it to shin-Kobe stn. where each of our supervisors met us, my supervisor`s name is Rokudai-sensei. We all parted ways, I bought another shinky(shinkansen) ticket to Aioi City for 2, 960￥. The ride was about 20 minutes. I bought a bento box with Unago(something like eel), fish and rice. It tasted good! On the train Rokudai and I chatted, he taught me some Japanese phrases and I helped him with some English. We cracked jokes, he`s pretty funny I can tell I`ll like him. Got to Aioi, walked to his car then went to the BOE(board of education) to meet his staff. I used the little Japanese I learned and they were very surprised and impressed...a jovial bunch! I met Rokudai`s boss(Itawaki-sensei), we chatted, I went back down to finish my refreshments. We headed to my apartment and 2 of his staff(Sakane & Miyamoto) came to show me how to use the appliances....no, I`m not dotish, everything is written in Japanese. Then then showed me how to unlock my bike outside..the locks are nifty I`ll have to take a pic. My supervisor then took me to next door to meet my building owner who works right next door, he is a dentist. We parted ways, I went up to my apartment and started unpacking to the point of dripping sweat and exhaustion while listening to `The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill`.
I was getting really tired, but there was nothing in the fridge and Rokudai-sensei arranged to pick me up at 1pm to go grocery shopping the next day. I left the apt. at 7:40pm(6:40pm EST) to ride to the 7-eleven that is ironically the same distance away as the 7-eleven from my house in Toronto. I bought some OJ, ice cream, kit kat, a bottle of water and a shrimp salad. I then went to a nearby fruit stand and bought some grapes on the way home. Showered, ate some ice cream, put in Aladdin while lying on the futon and fell asleep.

VIEW PICTURES HERE

Shinkansen 1
Shinkansen 2