Tis the season to get drunk with fellow teachers and let loose!
I've had a few enkais the past few weeks and tonight is the start of another wave of them. Personally, I love enkais. I've hardly ever been to one that I haven't liked. They are really good for developing relationships and opening up about things you normally wouldn't say a thing about. I know not everyone is a drinker, and I've certainly met a few teacher who prefer not to indulge, but even they seem to relax within the atmosphere of glee and beer. So, enjoy the party, even though it may (and probably is) a completely different image of what you think is a party.
Tomorrow is the start of taikai (competition) season, and I'm really excited. The baseball team is going out of town for their first big tournament. Volleyball, ping pong, and track and field are all getting ready for their games over the weekend. I wish them all the best of luck. Especially considering some of them have minor (yet get-in-the-way annoying) injuries. Our key baseball catcher jammed his finger yesterday while playing basketball. Needless to say, no one on the team was happy, but oh well. I'm sure they'll get by.
That's really all I have so say, so until I have some more exciting news, stay safe everyone.
Much love ★
Friday, April 27, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Hello!
My goodness it has been a while. With all the disturbance my last post threw about, I unfortunately was forced to take it down and lay low. Well, here were are in April. The middle of April, and I still can't say half of the things I want. Or even half of that, but nonetheless. Here we go.
The new school year is on a roll. I love being back at Maki JHS and the kids still remember me. Now, if only I could remember all of their names. There are only like 60 something of them. That should be a breeze compared to 204 at Itakura. Anyway, the new English teacher there is really nice. She came all the way from Kakizaki? Kashiwazaki? I don't really remember which, but her English is kick butt good. I haven't had a communication problem with her yet. Although, I do have to get in the habit of teaching my own classes again. My first 3rd grad class didn't exactly go as planned, (-_-;) neither did the second grade. Other than that, life is well aside from being extremely poor.
This afternoon us ALTs will have to deal with the whole scheduling business. And, I am proud to say that I am actually taking time off to go somewhere! And not only that, but to actually have fun! Can you believe that? Believe it, honey!
I'm going to Tokyo for Golden Week (hotel paid) to spend time with an old college professor and his bi-annual May Term class to Japan. If you're wondering what May Term is, it's pretty much an excuse to take extra classes for two weeks at an extremely slow pace for a full semester's course value. Dr. Daniel Metraux, the head of Asian Studies at Mary Baldwin College (my alma matar) was the biggest pain in butt when I was a student there. But, over the course of four grueling years fighting the man, we became very good friends. He offered me a chance to tag along on the trip with the other bright new Baldwin girls, and I jumped on it like a cheetah on a handicapped wildebeest (too much?). Well, you get the point, I'm excited!
Anything else?
Baseball season is here! Even though the snow hasn't entirely melted away. Apparently, my school's team had a game last Sunday. Yes, there was still some leftover snow of the field. My mountainous school, Maki, was actually practicing in the snow. Not just a patch here and there, but like there were a few solid inches everywhere and a good solid feet in other spots. It was the craziest thing I'd ever seen! Dedication? I call it working with what you got. And, they worked it!
The flu is rearing it's ugly head again, so stay safe and healthy everyone! Here's to hoping for a brighter, warmer, less rainy, more cherry blossom filled spring!
Much love ♥
The new school year is on a roll. I love being back at Maki JHS and the kids still remember me. Now, if only I could remember all of their names. There are only like 60 something of them. That should be a breeze compared to 204 at Itakura. Anyway, the new English teacher there is really nice. She came all the way from Kakizaki? Kashiwazaki? I don't really remember which, but her English is kick butt good. I haven't had a communication problem with her yet. Although, I do have to get in the habit of teaching my own classes again. My first 3rd grad class didn't exactly go as planned, (-_-;) neither did the second grade. Other than that, life is well aside from being extremely poor.
This afternoon us ALTs will have to deal with the whole scheduling business. And, I am proud to say that I am actually taking time off to go somewhere! And not only that, but to actually have fun! Can you believe that? Believe it, honey!
I'm going to Tokyo for Golden Week (hotel paid) to spend time with an old college professor and his bi-annual May Term class to Japan. If you're wondering what May Term is, it's pretty much an excuse to take extra classes for two weeks at an extremely slow pace for a full semester's course value. Dr. Daniel Metraux, the head of Asian Studies at Mary Baldwin College (my alma matar) was the biggest pain in butt when I was a student there. But, over the course of four grueling years fighting the man, we became very good friends. He offered me a chance to tag along on the trip with the other bright new Baldwin girls, and I jumped on it like a cheetah on a handicapped wildebeest (too much?). Well, you get the point, I'm excited!
Anything else?
Baseball season is here! Even though the snow hasn't entirely melted away. Apparently, my school's team had a game last Sunday. Yes, there was still some leftover snow of the field. My mountainous school, Maki, was actually practicing in the snow. Not just a patch here and there, but like there were a few solid inches everywhere and a good solid feet in other spots. It was the craziest thing I'd ever seen! Dedication? I call it working with what you got. And, they worked it!
The flu is rearing it's ugly head again, so stay safe and healthy everyone! Here's to hoping for a brighter, warmer, less rainy, more cherry blossom filled spring!
Much love ♥
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A lighter me
Honestly, I wish I could say I have a lot to tell you, but that's just not true.
A good starting point would be the accidents and the money involved there in. Well, I'm officially 200,000 yen poorer after paying the insurance on the cars from the accidents. Luckily, I don't have to pay for my medical bills (life saver!). Because I've been steadily going to the doctor, we found a kink in my shoulder from when I got squished. I am currently in rehab for said kink. Thankfully, my back and my legs are completely fine (my head too in case you're wondering). All in all, aside from the massive strike to my wallet and a wonky shoulder, I think those accidents went well.
As part of my daily routine of poorness, I now go to the gym! And, not like once a week, but like five times a week! It's amazing what time, boredom, and monetary losses can do for your health. I started at 107.8 kilos (google the correct amount in lbs. if you have to) at the end of December. Now, I'm at a solid 103, and loving every kilo I shed! I've never been much of a gym going person. Nor am I a health freak. But, being as I have to save as much money as possible, I buy the cheapest food I can (veggies) and instead of staying at home and eating everything I own, I go to the gym to occupy my time until I have to go to bed. So, on a regular day it's, go to school, go to rehab, go to the gym, go home and sleep. Boring? Possibly, but I've made some nice friends at the gym, and I rather like the variety of classes they give- belly dancing, hip hop class, kick boxing, tai chi, aerobics, ballet, palates (I think that's how you spell it), zumba, and a whole bunch more. The gym itself is a bit out of my way, but it beats the other gym I tried going to when I first got here.
That one was in a mini shopping mall with big windows that let the shoppers see inside. Call me crazy, but I do not want the outside world seeing my big jiggly butt (don't start with the 'you're not that fat' I know how big my butt is) looking spastic on a studio floor or sweating like a pig all over weightlifting equipment. Let's not forget, most of my students visit that mini mall. I shudder at the possibility of them seeing me bright red from attempting to dance around a room and sweating up a storm because of it. Did I mention that some kids even go to that gym in the mini mall? Could you imagine that scene?
Student: Oh, Ms. Pamela.
Me: Hi... How... are.. you? (breathing heavily)
Student: Are you okay?
I shudder at the thought, literally. Thankfully, I don't go to that dreadful place, and I don't waste my time at monotonous Curves either! I tried that for a while. Then, I realized the hours were terrible (for a person with my schedule) and the training was well the exact same thing every time. The best thing I could look forward to was which spot on the circuit I would start at. Needless to say, with a trainer, a variety of classes, and PRIVACY I vote my current gym, JOYFIT, pure and utter awesomeness.
School wise there isn't anything to report, so I'll spare you the ramblings of a bored government employee.
The snow? Oh the snow. I'd rather not talk about the snow. It came with a vengeance, then it disappeared. Then, quite out of no where, it came back full force. In less than a few hours, my car was completely buried to the point where I had to scrap off the snow before getting into my car to get the ice scraper to wipe off the rest of the snow. It's horrible, but I know that spring is on its way. Its just taking its time is all...
Any way, stay safe and warm and infection free.
Much love!
A good starting point would be the accidents and the money involved there in. Well, I'm officially 200,000 yen poorer after paying the insurance on the cars from the accidents. Luckily, I don't have to pay for my medical bills (life saver!). Because I've been steadily going to the doctor, we found a kink in my shoulder from when I got squished. I am currently in rehab for said kink. Thankfully, my back and my legs are completely fine (my head too in case you're wondering). All in all, aside from the massive strike to my wallet and a wonky shoulder, I think those accidents went well.
As part of my daily routine of poorness, I now go to the gym! And, not like once a week, but like five times a week! It's amazing what time, boredom, and monetary losses can do for your health. I started at 107.8 kilos (google the correct amount in lbs. if you have to) at the end of December. Now, I'm at a solid 103, and loving every kilo I shed! I've never been much of a gym going person. Nor am I a health freak. But, being as I have to save as much money as possible, I buy the cheapest food I can (veggies) and instead of staying at home and eating everything I own, I go to the gym to occupy my time until I have to go to bed. So, on a regular day it's, go to school, go to rehab, go to the gym, go home and sleep. Boring? Possibly, but I've made some nice friends at the gym, and I rather like the variety of classes they give- belly dancing, hip hop class, kick boxing, tai chi, aerobics, ballet, palates (I think that's how you spell it), zumba, and a whole bunch more. The gym itself is a bit out of my way, but it beats the other gym I tried going to when I first got here.
That one was in a mini shopping mall with big windows that let the shoppers see inside. Call me crazy, but I do not want the outside world seeing my big jiggly butt (don't start with the 'you're not that fat' I know how big my butt is) looking spastic on a studio floor or sweating like a pig all over weightlifting equipment. Let's not forget, most of my students visit that mini mall. I shudder at the possibility of them seeing me bright red from attempting to dance around a room and sweating up a storm because of it. Did I mention that some kids even go to that gym in the mini mall? Could you imagine that scene?
Student: Oh, Ms. Pamela.
Me: Hi... How... are.. you? (breathing heavily)
Student: Are you okay?
I shudder at the thought, literally. Thankfully, I don't go to that dreadful place, and I don't waste my time at monotonous Curves either! I tried that for a while. Then, I realized the hours were terrible (for a person with my schedule) and the training was well the exact same thing every time. The best thing I could look forward to was which spot on the circuit I would start at. Needless to say, with a trainer, a variety of classes, and PRIVACY I vote my current gym, JOYFIT, pure and utter awesomeness.
School wise there isn't anything to report, so I'll spare you the ramblings of a bored government employee.
The snow? Oh the snow. I'd rather not talk about the snow. It came with a vengeance, then it disappeared. Then, quite out of no where, it came back full force. In less than a few hours, my car was completely buried to the point where I had to scrap off the snow before getting into my car to get the ice scraper to wipe off the rest of the snow. It's horrible, but I know that spring is on its way. Its just taking its time is all...
Any way, stay safe and warm and infection free.
Much love!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
I got squished
Quite literally to be honest, but that story will have to wait. My goodness, I did it again. I've avoided this blog for way too long. Maybe one of my new year's resolutions should be to write weekly. But, we all know that won't happen. I will apologize for the long wait, but let me assure you I have some stories to tell.
The holiday weekend, was depressing. I found myself crying in my car on my way to several department stores for lack of anything better to do. Some of my students and I had a little Christmas Eve lunch where I bake them a cake and we all battled each other on the Wii. Then it was off to a game center to tackle the crane games. I won nothing, but then again, I was never good at those things. They, on the other hand, won quite a few little knick-knacks. Christmas day was the worst. I tried to keep myself busy, but to no avail. I was a walking cloud of depression and doom. I don't think I'd ever felt so lonely. Christmas evening, however, was a bit more bearable. I had a friend over for an extremely light Christmas dinner. Thanks to my mother having sent a lovely care package, I was able to make a chicken bake with cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, and delicious turkey gravy. Thank you mom!
Now, onto the part where I got squished.
It all started with a trip to Niigata City. Why there you ask? I was on my way to pick up my friend, Aileen, at the ferry port. So first of all, I have to wake up extremely early to get there on time. At about 4 a.m. I head out into the gracefully falling snow covered roads of my city. I get onto the highway and about an hour or so into the trip I slip on said snow and spin out of the highway. Luckily, no other cars were near by. My tail light is smashed and my bumper is not doing so great. But, the car is running, so I take it upon myself to continue my journey to the city and get Aileen. Obviously, I call the dealer. I explain the situation, and he allows me to drop off my messed up car and switch for a new one. Problem solved right?
Well, on our way out of the city, we come to an intersection that is always busy, but that's not important. The important part is that the car in front of me starts to swerve. So, I start to slow down and try breaking. He slows down too fast, and I don't slow down fast enough. End result - crash. We (by we' I mean me and the other driver) pull over to the side of the road (not that we were that far from it to begin with). Then we get out of our cars, and start apologizing and exchanging information. I call my dealer, again, to explain what happened. He was, obviously, not happy. We were in the cooling down stage waiting for police to arrive.
This is the part I'm not quite sure about. I remember standing in between the two cars. Why? I have no idea. The dad (there was a family in the car - him, his wife, and his son, no worries they're fine) and I were talking, just talking when, I got squished. A car came from behind, hit my car and I was sandwiched between the two. As I tried to get out, another car hits the car that just hit my car which in turn sandwiches me again. Wonderful, isn't it? Then the police finally come and take down the report which takes about an hour or so. Because they had to take a statement from every one. At least, those able to report on what happened. After all of the doom and gloom. My dealer comes in and takes the now wrecked car. He gives Aileen and I a ride back to the shop and gives me yet another car. I take the easiest yet longest way back home to avoid any more accidents. Time wise it took me nearly 12 hours for me to get back home. The first accident was at about 6ish in the morning. The big accident was at about 9 a.m. After the "who did what" on the part of the police, it was about 12 p.m. By taking the long route it took until 3 p.m. to get home. Needless to say, Aileen and I took it upon ourselves to stay inside and rest. Away from other cars.
I and all other parties involved are miraculously unharmed. Which is the most important thing.
As for the new year, I'll tell you about that some other time. I think a big accident like this one is enough for one blog post.
The holiday weekend, was depressing. I found myself crying in my car on my way to several department stores for lack of anything better to do. Some of my students and I had a little Christmas Eve lunch where I bake them a cake and we all battled each other on the Wii. Then it was off to a game center to tackle the crane games. I won nothing, but then again, I was never good at those things. They, on the other hand, won quite a few little knick-knacks. Christmas day was the worst. I tried to keep myself busy, but to no avail. I was a walking cloud of depression and doom. I don't think I'd ever felt so lonely. Christmas evening, however, was a bit more bearable. I had a friend over for an extremely light Christmas dinner. Thanks to my mother having sent a lovely care package, I was able to make a chicken bake with cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, and delicious turkey gravy. Thank you mom!
Now, onto the part where I got squished.
It all started with a trip to Niigata City. Why there you ask? I was on my way to pick up my friend, Aileen, at the ferry port. So first of all, I have to wake up extremely early to get there on time. At about 4 a.m. I head out into the gracefully falling snow covered roads of my city. I get onto the highway and about an hour or so into the trip I slip on said snow and spin out of the highway. Luckily, no other cars were near by. My tail light is smashed and my bumper is not doing so great. But, the car is running, so I take it upon myself to continue my journey to the city and get Aileen. Obviously, I call the dealer. I explain the situation, and he allows me to drop off my messed up car and switch for a new one. Problem solved right?
Well, on our way out of the city, we come to an intersection that is always busy, but that's not important. The important part is that the car in front of me starts to swerve. So, I start to slow down and try breaking. He slows down too fast, and I don't slow down fast enough. End result - crash. We (by we' I mean me and the other driver) pull over to the side of the road (not that we were that far from it to begin with). Then we get out of our cars, and start apologizing and exchanging information. I call my dealer, again, to explain what happened. He was, obviously, not happy. We were in the cooling down stage waiting for police to arrive.
This is the part I'm not quite sure about. I remember standing in between the two cars. Why? I have no idea. The dad (there was a family in the car - him, his wife, and his son, no worries they're fine) and I were talking, just talking when, I got squished. A car came from behind, hit my car and I was sandwiched between the two. As I tried to get out, another car hits the car that just hit my car which in turn sandwiches me again. Wonderful, isn't it? Then the police finally come and take down the report which takes about an hour or so. Because they had to take a statement from every one. At least, those able to report on what happened. After all of the doom and gloom. My dealer comes in and takes the now wrecked car. He gives Aileen and I a ride back to the shop and gives me yet another car. I take the easiest yet longest way back home to avoid any more accidents. Time wise it took me nearly 12 hours for me to get back home. The first accident was at about 6ish in the morning. The big accident was at about 9 a.m. After the "who did what" on the part of the police, it was about 12 p.m. By taking the long route it took until 3 p.m. to get home. Needless to say, Aileen and I took it upon ourselves to stay inside and rest. Away from other cars.
I and all other parties involved are miraculously unharmed. Which is the most important thing.
As for the new year, I'll tell you about that some other time. I think a big accident like this one is enough for one blog post.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Oh Winter, how I didn't miss thee.
This may only apply in the winter, but it is true none the less. If I could say two things about where I live, it would be that when it rains it's freezing rain. And, when it snows, it snows hard, fast, and forever. Thankfully, it hasn't snowed yet. But, I'm holding my breath it'll hold off, and I don't think that's a good idea. The days are getting shorter and the nights colder. There was a brief sparkle of sunshine a few days ago, but that has past. I've come to the decision that staying longer at school is a more valuable use of my time over being a couch potato at home. I'll run around training with my kids over going to a gym. Maybe I will join a gym, who knows? I know I need to do something. I feel heavier and that's never a good sign.
In other news, I now have a shiny new credit card thanks to my bank and JCB. I also have a brand new ETC scanner (Electronic pass for tolls on the highway) in my car. That means that my usually 1-2,000 yen trip back from Sanjo is now only 850 yen! Woot! Woot! *party dance* My friend, Adam, got his yesterday and called me the instant he went through the ETC lane for the first time. It was adorable. I may not be much of a traveler, but I sure want to put this card to good use now that I have the resources to travel for less. That is definitely, a recommendation I will always suggest to anyone staying in Japan who also likes to travel by car. Get a credit card and sign up for that ETC card while you're at it. In my opinion, it is so worth it!
With Christmas inching it's way closer on my calendar, I have to start thinking about my students' Christmas cards. I want them to be a combination of hand written and mass produced. Because let's face it, there is no way I am hand making over 200 cards. The plan is to design a specific card for each grade level, then scan and print them out on postcard paper. From there I can decide if I'm going to mail them or just give them out at school. Honestly, I want to mail them. I know I'll be shooting myself in the foot writing the addresses. Let's not forget paying for postage, but I think it would be nice for them to get even a small taste of what it's like to get an actual Christmas card. Of course, I have to design these lovely cards first. So, I'd better get cracking.
I hope everyone stays warm this season!
Much love ☆
In other news, I now have a shiny new credit card thanks to my bank and JCB. I also have a brand new ETC scanner (Electronic pass for tolls on the highway) in my car. That means that my usually 1-2,000 yen trip back from Sanjo is now only 850 yen! Woot! Woot! *party dance* My friend, Adam, got his yesterday and called me the instant he went through the ETC lane for the first time. It was adorable. I may not be much of a traveler, but I sure want to put this card to good use now that I have the resources to travel for less. That is definitely, a recommendation I will always suggest to anyone staying in Japan who also likes to travel by car. Get a credit card and sign up for that ETC card while you're at it. In my opinion, it is so worth it!
With Christmas inching it's way closer on my calendar, I have to start thinking about my students' Christmas cards. I want them to be a combination of hand written and mass produced. Because let's face it, there is no way I am hand making over 200 cards. The plan is to design a specific card for each grade level, then scan and print them out on postcard paper. From there I can decide if I'm going to mail them or just give them out at school. Honestly, I want to mail them. I know I'll be shooting myself in the foot writing the addresses. Let's not forget paying for postage, but I think it would be nice for them to get even a small taste of what it's like to get an actual Christmas card. Of course, I have to design these lovely cards first. So, I'd better get cracking.
I hope everyone stays warm this season!
Much love ☆
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