10 days

My mind is slightly at ease as my very important medical form finally came in today. This form allows me to bring in a years supply of my medication. I'm soooooooo glad that it's in. I've been worring about it for 2 weeks! Lets see what else have I accomplished... I purchased my omiyage (gift), I decided to buy chocolate buckeyes since they are unique to Ohio. Damn those things are so expensive! I bought $60 worth of buckeyes! Had to buy some for the neighbors too right! I think the last thing I need to buy is a new alarm clock and my hair stuff. I can't believe how close the date has arrived. I've got most of my stuff packed away. I don't know how but it looks like I will be able to fit everything into my suitcases. I'll most likely go over the 50 lbs. weight limit... but the suitcases shut! Thats good right? I can't believe in a few hours my days are numbered by single digits. My mom and I went to the outlet mall so that I could get some last minute shopping in. i asked if I could drive because I'm not going to get to do that for a while. It's too bad because I LOVE driving. I'll defn. miss that! Still no progress on my scrapbook... but there is still time.

WOW

Christmas day was my last day at Starbucks. It hasn't quite hit me yet. I turned in my apron and my shift keys, and it still doesn't feel real to me. It also doesn't feel like I only have 13 days to be with my family and friends. I have so much to do in so little time. My suitcases were sent out to be fixed and they finally came in. I'm debating on whether or not I want to start packing. I guess I should because I don't want to pack a years worth of stuff at the last minute. I know I need to pack an overnight bag because we are going to Detroit to see my grandmother tomorrow. That I can do right before leaving though...
I still need to finish my scrapbook. I know i'll be glad I did it when I get homesick but man is it a thorn in my side right now.
I got an email from the teacher I'm replacing today! He said the apartment I'll be living in is huge! We were informed that our apartments would be about 6 tatami mats in size but mine will be 12 mats and i'll have a loft! WOOHOO! Thats good because I know I'll accumulate a lot of stuff. I received a card from all the teachers at the school 2 days ago. It was soooo nice! I can't wait to meet them all! They seem very nice and helpful. I feel lucky! I just can't believe this has crept up on me so quickly!

39 days

It has been brought to my attention that I haven't written anything in a while.::cough cough thank you April:: I've been super busy. So anywhoo i have my visa now, its good for 3 years. Who knows if I will end up staying there that long. I'm getting excited as i purchase my last few things I need. Now the only things left on my list are random things such as panty hose, eye makeup remover and buckeye chocolates for omiyage(gift for my fellow teachers, staff, and neighbours). My luggage is in the process of being fixed, I need to exchange my money at the bank and make sure my bank will accept wire transfers. I also need to figure out what tax form to fill out. I'm in the middle of making a scrap book which i'm proud of the first 2 pages i have done. I need to catch up Marisa had hers done so quickly! I need to make a 5th trip to Joannes. What else has happened... Oh, I had my blood drawn for an overall check up and to find out what my blood type is. Let me explain something... I don't do needles. I just don't. I absolutely HATE them. And yes, I cry. You can laugh... anyway the nurse was nice enough to hold my hand since my mom couldn't accompany me on this emotionally scaring trip. I owe that nurse big, I think I'll bring her a coffee next time. So yeah my blood type is O+, it would be a good thing to know in general but also in Japan knowing your blood type is like knowing your astrological sign. If you know your blood type check out your traits, I've posted them below for your convenience.Post your blood type, I'm curious to know too! I'm sure I'll blog more as the date arrives! Let the countdown continue!

The Traits
Type O – The Warrior
trendsetter
loyal
passionate
self-confident
independent
ambitious
vain
jealous

Famous O’s
Queen Elizabeth II
John Lennon
Elvis Presley
Liam & Noel Gallagher
Paul Newman

People with blood type O people are outgoing, energetic and social. They are the most flexible of the blood types. They easily start up projects but often have trouble following through because they give up easily. They are flighty and not too dependable. O types always say what's on their mind. They value the opinion of others and like to be the center of attention. Also, people with O blood are extremely self-confident.

Type O, the most "average" blood type, is considered the best type in Japan.


Type A – The Farmer
calm
patient
sensitive
responsible
overcautious
stubborn
unable to relax

Famous A’s
Adolf Hitler
George Bush Senior
Soseki Natsume
Ringo Starr
Britney Spears

Type A

People with blood type A have a deep-rooted strength that helps them stay calm in a crisis when everyone else is panicking. However, they tend to avoid confrontation, and feel very uncomfortable around people. A types are shy and sometimes withdrawn. They seek harmony and are very polite, but all the same feel that they never really fit in with others. A types are very responsible. If there is a job to be done, they prefer to take care of it themselves. These people crave success and are perfectionists. They are also very creative, and the most artistic of all the blood types, most likely because of their sensitivity.

People with blood type A are also likely to be considered classic "type A's": stressed and conscientious.

Type B – The Hunter
individualist
dislike custom
strong
optimistic
creative
flexible
wild
unpredictable

Famous B’s
Akira Kurosawa
Paul McCartney
Mia Farrow
Leonardo Di Caprio
Jack Nicholson

Type B

People with blood type B are the most practical of the blood groups. They are specialists in what they do. When they start a project, they spend extra time understanding and trying to follow directions than others might. When they are doing something, all of their attention is focused on it. They tend to stick to a goal and follow it through to the end, even if it seems impossible. They tend to be less than cooperative, as they like to follow their own rules and their own ideas. They are individualists. B type people pay attention to their thoughts a little more than their feelings, and therefore can sometimes seem cold and serious.

People with blood type B are often considered more relaxed, freewheeling, and unconventional than other types, although not necessarily to an unacceptable degree. In anime, the genki, off-the-wall types are type B, along with any kind of well-intended character who's ruled by their impulses.


Type AB – The Humanist
cool
controlled
rational
sociable
popular
critical
sometimes standoffish
indecisive

Famous AB’s
Jackie Chan
Marilyn Monroe
John F Kennedy
Mick Jagger
Alain Prost

People with blood type AB are hard to categorize. They can have characteristics on both ends of the spectrum at the same time. For instance, they are both shy and outgoing. They easily switch from one opposite to another. AB people are trustworthy and responsible, but can't handle it when too much is asked of them. They don't mind doing favors or helping out, as long as its on their own conditions. People with this blood type are interested in art and metaphysics.

AB is considered the worst blood type. In predictability-loving Japan, they're loose cannons. They also like to set their own conditions and reserve the right to drop out when things don't meet their expectations. They're known to be sensitive and considerate—at times—but it just isn't enough to balance out the flaws in this blood type. For a while, some companies tried dividing their employees into work groups based on blood type, and no one wanted to work with the AB group. Anime villains are likely to be type AB.

The arrival of my COE!

I got a call from my recruiter today and she said that my COE (certificate of eligibility) arrived in Chicago today! I will be receiving it tomorrow around 10:30am! She and I were both surprised on the phone because we expected it to be ready 2 weeks to a month prior to departure (Jan. 8th) Instead I get a 2 month jump start! AWESOME! Marisa just facebooked me that she is receiving hers tomorrow as well. I think they may have sent them in together. None the less I think we are both excited! This means that we don't have to move or postpone our departure date and more importantly our plane tickets! SOOOOOOO I got a good deal! 784 for plane ticket is not that bad! If you recall from my previous post, moving the ticket would be $200 plus the difference. 66 days left yall!

2 Funny MagoMago Arashi Episodes- Subbed

JUN and AIBA






SHO and AIBA

Don't settle, buy the good stuff

I've been ordering shoes online as part of getting my stuff ready for Japan. I mentioned that I need to find a really REALLY comfortable pair of heels. I ordered some from amazon and they came in. They are nice and not terribly uncomfortable. Problem is they are not that well made. They cost me 39bucks.... not bad, however there is no grip on the bottom of the SHOE! I can already see myself running up the stairs to catch the train and loosing my footing and taking a nosedive in front of everyone. Yeah... not such a good visual. This prompted me to go for my first choice shoe... this first choice el-primo shoe costs $94! I've never in my life spent a hundred bucks on A pair of shoes. So I bought 2... one in black and one in brown. If these are as comfortable as they say they are then i'm sending the cheap ones back. I figure I should get the good stuff because I will be spending majority of my time in these shoes. I need them to be comfortable and they have high ratings in that way. Any shoe that people say they can spend 12 hours in without taking them off the second they have a chance is ok in my book. Man I hope thats true. Plus I feel a little bit better because I got $20 off each pair! Hell yes coupons! Anyway lesson of the day is sometimes you can't beat quality.

All set!

So a couple weeks ago I met a coworker online! I was glad to hear that I would know someone upon arrival at the airport and during the week of training. We've been talking often and have become friends! Having someone to go through this whole process with is a huge relief! She booked her flight and we are on the same one! We moved our seats so that we are next to each other so yay! we wont have to deal with sitting directly next to someone who snores, little screaming babies, and someone who thinks they can share part of my chair. Plus we can talk about what to expect when we arrive!! Things are coming together nicely! I'm done buying all of my suits, I have 5 suits plus one suit jacket. I need to buy shoes, and blouses. Finding comfy shoes are a problem, i will need to be able to walk 30minutes in them AT LEAST. I'm also in the process of buying other things I will need to bring... I bought 2 bottles of my parfume today, deoderant (they don't have the brands i like there), hair product (my hair is difficult), makeup(again i'm particular and its crazy expensive over there, Revlon is sold at a beauty counter LOL), Advil, etc, etc. the list goes on and on! Things are just coming together nicely, and I can't wait to go!

Japanese Show rip offs

Japanese Version human tetris


American copy cat hole in the wall




Japanese version marshmallow game


american copy cat marshmallow game

Plane ticket.... check

Today I bought my plane ticket! It is official! The deeper I get into this process the more real it seems to me. I'm very excited and I can't wait. I'm so glad I checked with an agent, I almost paid $111 more if I didn't. I'm still a little nervous about buying a ticket without having my Certificate Of Eligibility in hand because there is still a a chance the date could change due to paperwork. Granted the chance is small but then again it is still a possibility. Why did i bite the bullet and not wait til I had all my paperwork done? I figured that because fuel prices are going up I should buy my ticket now, and pay $200 to move it if I need. By the end of this month tickets will be well over $1000. even with the $200 I'll be just under a $1000. Man, I hope I don't have to move it.

On an skunk note... I know you all have been waiting lol. I saw 3 skunks dead within a 50foot radius of my house. Since that week, I have not smelled or seen a single skunk even after dark. Oh YEAH!

Ethos Water: buy water to provide water

My dad emailed me 2 days ago saying that he had received an invite from a coworker to go to a luncheon with a speaker. The invitation was extended to me because Peter Thum, the speaker, is a VP of Starbucks and the Founder of Ethos. My dads coworker thought i would be interested in going because I work there. There were about 50-60 people there and the tables were divided up by companies. Honda of America, my dads work sponsored a table by donating money so I got to sit up front. LimitedBrand, Nationwide, and NetJet were all there too. I had an excellent time and Peter was very inspiring. It was so nice to hear how Ethos was started and how Starbucks came to be a part of it. Peter Thum gave up a secure job to start this based on his experience living in Kenya. It was really nice to see pictures of specific people that have benefited from getting wells in their community, and having access to clean water. Its nice to hear this from the source because he has been where those people in the communities are. They have to carry 5gallons of water 2 kilometers to get water(not clean btw). He said he tried it and couldn't carry it all the way. The fact that he tried and has experienced it makes his lecture all the more real and relevant to me.

As for social responsibility, I know we all have heard a buzz of bottled water being bad for the environment, however people will always continue to buy bottled water because of convenience. This company is about taking advantage of those sales and doing something good with the money. Partners around the world stock Ethos water everyday but I wonder do we all really understand the importance behind that bottle of water in our hands. Its not just any bottle of water. This bottled water changes peoples lives.

Top That!

Tad made my day at work today. I don't remember how the conversation started but he asked if I saw Breenwitch. I said no, so he starts to describe a funny rap scene with guys working on a car and these girls come up on bicycles and so on. Then he goes "I'm hot and your not..." stop right there what movie did you say. Teen witch. I didn't hear that the first time. I love that movie. Its so cheesy and nobody else I met has seen it except me and my dad. Aparently he and his finace Jess love that movie! They know the whole rap! That just made my day. The rap has been stuck in my head all day. What a great movie. Here is a clip of the rap. enjoy it in all its cheesiness.

I'm no Dr. Dolittle

I have had the worst luck with animals. I took my kids to the river to feed the ducks. I did this all the time when I was younger. My mom took me and I have many fond memories of it. Well I thought I would do the same for the kids I take care of. So we went to the river and immediatly the ducks come towards us. That should have tipped me off, we didn't even have the bread out yet. I gave the kids bread and they started throwing it in. The ducks got closer and closer. Finally they started to creep up right at our feet like an inch away from pecking my feet. They are no longer afraid of humans. They don't even go after the bread you throw they go after whats in your hands! My kids hands are closer to the ducks! I picked up the little one and grabbed the bread and chucked it quarterback style and we ran to the car. Seriosuly I was afraid the ducks were going to follow us. I will never go and feed the ducks again. crazy winged beasts is what they are.

Crickets

I think their is a blind cricket in the bush in front of my house. Either that or it is seriously confused. All DAY it has been cherping! Aren't they suppose to cherp at night? Like I said confused or blind.

Sign, Sealed and Delivered

Everything was sent in yesterday and they received it today. I'm so relieved! I don't have to worry for another couple months until I have to go to detroit to get my visa! I'm done done done! And while it was a stressful weekend, with the paperwork and extra hours put in at work, at least the extra time resulted into some overtime pay!
I did hear some not so good news, I just bought a black suit to add to my wardrobe for work only to hear that there is a new no black suit rule in place. Even the pants can't be black. That sucks because I just bought a black suit and already had it talored. Oh well, I'll use it for my professional life when I come back from teaching. At least I got it on sale and didn't pay full price for it. I've never stressed about money before but suits are expensive! I like to get mine from The Limited because they have these travel suits that don't wrinkle and don't have to be drycleaned! You just toss them in the laundry!
Expecting another skunk story here? Didn't go outside today. Maybe next time.

Less Stressed

I went to FedexKinkos yesterday and explained the situation to a different store. They were kind and retook my pictures for me. I like them better then the first time. The gentledude got it on the first shot! I'm also less stressed because I have everything together for my visa and such. All I have left to do is to call on Tuesday and sign the final paperwork. Even working the extra hours I was able to get it done. I should not be bitter about working extra because I think I get some overtime, plus the future holds less drama. This weekend just blindsided me with a lot at once but in the end good things came from it. My only regret is that I did not have a chance to give a gift to Shannon before she left for her Disney College Program. I'll just have to send it to her when she gets her apartment placement.

On another note, I think I am cursed. I saw another skunk by my bush yesterday when I came home from work. I don't know if I'm seeing them because I'm looking for it or because its out to get me. There should be a free service for skunk removal because it is terrorizing the neighbourhood, and by neighbourhood, I mean me!

Stressed

Well, I got my package in the mail, it has all the info I need. I'm nervous because I have a lot to put together and read in 4 days. I went and got my picture taken today at Fedex Kinkos and the woman rushed me. When I asked her to retake the picture she was impatient. I'm not happy with them and the recruiter warned me on the phone not to pay for the picture if I didn't like them. I may be out 35 bucks. I'm going tomorrow to a different one to see if they will retake it. That same lady has screwed me before. Well, we will see how it all turns out tomorrow. On a bittersweet note I had to go into work again to cover a shift.. that would be the bitter part, but the sweet part is there will be much less drama at work from here on out. The remaining 5 months that I have left here will be better then I thought!
I have another skunk story... My family thinks I'm paranoid about skunks but I keep seeing them! I saw one right next to my parking spot on the street when I pulled up to the house. It ran towards the evergreen that I thought it lived under and then it veered and went under the bush in front of my window. THEN... it ran across my driveway and went towards my other neighbours house. I didn't realize how fast those things can move. That freaks me out even more, How am I suppose to run away if they are fast and can spray up to 15 feet! Anyhoo I think I have a toe across the phobia line, this is not me being paranoid! Anyway I will be less stressed after Tuesday.

Japan here I come

Well folks, I got the call today! The recruiter for the company called me and left a message saying he had a location for me and that I would be very happy. I LEAPED for joy because I knew that meant I was close to Yokohama and Tokyo! I called him back minutes later because I was out of the room when he called. I'm going to Fujisawa! That is only 20minutes from Yokohama, which means 20-30 minutes away from my family! My dad has to travel through Fujisawa for work when he is on a business trip to Japan so I will get to see him on his visits! This is the perfect location. They want my answer by Friday but I was ready to say yes then. I'm going to call in tomorrow and confirm and I will officially be an English Foreign language teacher! AHHHH!!! I'm so excited! Did I mention that I will be by the beach! Can't get any better then that! I can't contain my excitement. So my departure date will be January 8th so let the count down begin!

Another funny video or two

This video has two members from the group Arashi. Their names are Sho and Ohno. Sho is one of my favs. This is so hilarious because they are babysiting this girl and she is exhausted. You know how babies even when they sleep know when the body heat is gone, as soon as you put them down. Well that is what happens here. You don't need to understand what they say just watch and laugh. Its adorable.



This video has my other favorite memeber of Arashi... Aiba Masaki. Its a video of him speaking English and he is terrible at it. I love it. Mecha Danger!= Very danger Very Cuticle= very cute Shampoo? NO hair lol.

NOISE!

I just worked a long day. I opened the store took at 3.5 hour break and went back to close the store and what do I come home too?!? NOISE! I have idiot neighbours that live in apartments who are rockin out. Really loud, I feel like I'm in the bathroom of a loud rock concert. Where is warbled but you can still hear. I don't have a problem with rockin it out with your buddies, but I'm tired as all get out and they are facing my window. What did I do about. I called the Popo! Today is not a day to be messing with me or my sleep. so good night.

Unbelievable!

So I get ready to go out, and out of habit or fear I'm not sure which, i always smell the air for a skunk. I think one is living under my neighbours house. So I walk out the garage and sniff the air, and smell a stinky skunk. This is normal but I always start looking for the source just in case. Usually its long gone, just a lingering stench. So yeah what do I see as I approach the end of my garage... a head turn and eyes looking at me. I think it might be a cat, then I see a long white stripe down the back. I turned around and ran so fast back into my house, that sucker had no chance of spraying me. So, I go to the front door and I wait for it to go away. My mom and I are cracking up, because I was out of breath from running so fast. We sit there and wait for about 20-30 minutes. So when we think the coast is clear... I run to my car and head out. I get to the parking garage and get ready to call my friend to meet up with her only to search the entire contents of my purse and car and not find my dumb cell phone! I left it while I was skunk hunting. So I turn around and go back home and that there is my Thursday night. I'm obviously off rhythm with the universe. Unbelievable.

Some great news

So I got a call today while I was babysitting. Unfortunatly I missed the call, but I called back to hear that I was extended a general offer for a job! Well not a job, THE job! I was shocked because I thought I didn't fit what they were looking for. I did feel the interview went well though. So I am very excited! A general offer means that they don't have a location for me yet but they want me to work for them. I'd say that is good news indeed! I am just so excited, I don't know what to say! So the next round of positions that open begin in August but most of the positions open up in January. I will let you all know! Today is a good day!

Waiting period

Right now I'm in the waiting period. It sucks. I have finished my interview and now while they check everything out... I get to wait and see whether I got the job or not. This is almost like torture. What am I doing to pass the time? Well, this is really quite embarrassing... I play scrabble or I play roller coaster tycoon. he he he. I used to love roller coaster tycoon, and for the longest time I thought it was unavailable on windows XP. Oh I forgot I also post random blogs to pass the time. And fortunatly for you, you get to read them. Just kidding. Like I said I do hope that this works out, however, if it doesn't I think I will be ok in the job department. I created an account on monster.com and accidently made it public. I meant to keep it private til I was ready but oh well. Anyway I had 8 hits in less then 24hours and 6 calls about interviewing. I was really shocked at the interest, but it did make me feel better in that if i don't get this opportunity others exist out there for me. Isn't that the worry of everyone who newly hits the job market? I imagine the competition is getting tougher out there because of our economy and because of the all the Starbucks closings. Thankfully my Starbucks is ok for now. Ok, I think I've done enough rambling for today.

My teeny bopper obsession

I thought I was over my obsessions with celebrities when I grew out of the whole Nsync and Backstreet Boys phase but aparently not. Gackt is a Jrocker who put me back into my teeny bopper obsession days. Thankfully, unlike my teenage years I have not put up any posters or anything. I just listen to his music all the time. So here are some funny clips. Some of these videos are old, he has been singing for a long time.

Downtown: a comedy duo

So this is just a random blog about a comedy duo that cracks me up. They are a famous duo in Japan, and they have been around for a very longtime. I just thought I should be kind and share the funny! No worries, subtitles are included.








This last video there are no subtitles but its called English lesson. The point of the show is that they are not suppose to laugh. Which if you watch closely, it's impossible!

First Professional Interview

I had my first professional interview. Yes, the one I have been talking about since the first time I blogged. I think it went well, however I was a nervous wreck and may have possibly blanked out. I don't know. Haha. I definitely think i could have done better. But isn't that the feeling everyone has after any interview? It has been a long time since I interviewed and to add the level of professionalism is in fact intimidating. I always get a knot in my stomach and I forget everything. I'm one of those people who could tell you everything we studied in class, but when you put it in test format all knowledge escapes me. Interviewing feels like a test. I do have to say that even though I want this opportunity really badly, if I don't get it, the experience of the interview was something I can learn from for the next opportunity I pursue. I will find out shortly whether or not I got the job, hopefully good news will come my way. I shall keep you all posted!

Getting rid of nerves

So, I've had job interviews before and seem to do well in them since I've gotten the jobs. But, and there is a big but... The interview I have on Weds. is the first one of my adult life. It is with a company that can send me to Japan so that I can teach English. I would love this opportunity to go live in Japan while doing something I love. I've finally finished my lesson plan and tomorrow i'm going to have a friend who is an ESL teacher check it. Thank goodness for friends like her. Although I'm not really saying anything in this particular blog, I feel the need for an outlet for my nerves. I'm sure many graduates feel this way. For so long we were students and we became good at that because that was our job. Change is always a scary thing. Becoming an adult is a scary thing.

Vacation in Florida

I got to go home for a short week. While home will always be with my family, I also consider my home to be in Orlando. I miss living down there and being with my friends. I really hope that I do get the opportunity to go to Japan and teach but if the chance does not present itself I am meant to be in Florida. April took me around to different apartments in the area and I found the perfect one. I know its right because I can picture myself living there. So I might be living there in about a month or about a year from now. I know once I'm in Florida I'll settle there. This apartment was so cute and perfect. Thanks to April for bringing it to my attention. Otherwise I would have never known.
What else did I do. I got to play in the parks which was wonderful. Pineapple Dole whip is the best ice cream ever created. I had it three times. If you've never had it, I recommend when you go to Magic Kingdom its a must have. Spaceship Earth was brilliantly redone. My dad and I laughed so hard we cried. Also at Epcot April and I had dinner in Paris where I had the best leek and potato soup that was served by the cutest Frenchman I have ever seen. Seriously he should have been a model with that smile. April and I got to spend a good deal of time together although it is never quite enough. Adam and I went minigolf which we both haven't been to Pirates cove since we lived down there. I'll need to brush up on my game before our next rematch. The week flew by so quickly and here I am already home waiting for the next chapter of my life to commence... hopefully in Tokyo.

illnesses

"Illness is not something to feel ashamed of. It is not a sign of misfortune or defeat. Suffering is the fuel of wisdom, and it opens the way to happiness. Through illness, human beings can gain insight into the meaning of life, understand its value and dignity, and strive to lead more fulfilling lives. "

"Human life is indeed wondrous. You may be ill physically, but as long as your mental state is strong, it most certainly will exert a positive influence on your body. There may be no better remedy than hope. "

Both of these quotes are from President Daisaku Ikeda of SGI. I recently heard that my friends dad has prostate cancer. They noticed this at a fairly early stage and these are quotes that I find suit the situation because I am terrible with what to say in situations such as this. I hope she and her father find these words encouraging. As well as anyone else who is suffering from an illness. The most important thing is to have a fighting will and hope, because the mind controls the body in a weird and mysterious way.

A new blog

I got the idea to start a blog from a friend at work. She will be recording her adventures of traveling and teaching in South America. I might be doing something similar in Japan... cross your fingers... so I decided to start one as well. I regret not having something that recorded my experiences when I did the Disney College Program in 2006 and I don't want that to happen again. I only have my memories of my daily activities but I don't remember what I was thinking or felt on certain days. Just a general feeling of the program as a whole. When you get the chance to do something you love take the opportunity to record every minute of it. This is why I decided to start one. No promises on how often I will post though.
So... whats going on in the world of me? I graduated from The Ohio State University in March this year and I work at Starbucks. I love children so I babysit once or twice a week. I practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and even though I am a fortune baby I have much to learn because it is only recently that I have begun to practice seriously because I feel that it is right for me. So what do I do? Attend a whole bunch of meetings. That sums up my life for right now, work, meetings, and babysitting, I haven't much time for anything else. I get my kicks playing scrabble online with one of my BFFs April who I can't wait to see! I met her on my program in Florida and we've been tight ever since I told her of my creepy, staring roommate. "I'm watching you April"
I had the opportunity to go to Hawai'i and Japan for a month as a grad gift from my parents. It was my first time going to Hawai'i and we spent a week there. I love bargaining for prices so the swat meet was so my thing. It was nice to see people who look like me because I often get asked "what are you" which gets on my nerves. People there looked like me, and because I looked like them I got 20% for being a "local" which just means I didn't have to pay tourist prices. I was really surprised at how many Japanese were there. I told my family in Japan that they could visit there without worry of not understanding because Japanese translates. This trip was bittersweet because I knew it would be the last trip that I get to spend a good amount of time with my family. When I was younger the past 7 times I've gone to Japan we stay for 1 to 2 months with the fam. I knew that once I get a "real" job that it would be impossible to take a month off for vacation. I also thought that I didn't know when I would see my grandfather again because he was already 79. I thought this might be the last time I get to see him, especially if it takes me 4 years to go back. Unfortunatly 3 days before we left Hawai'i for Japan, we got news that my grandfather had passed away. It was a very hard blow because I had planned to get a nice picture with me and him to put in my albums or something.
I have a friend in Japan who I unfortunatly did not get a chance to meet up with while there. He is going to college there and is teaching EFL (English as a Foreign Language) as a part time job. While I walk around Japan I always get approached by people who want to practice their English skills on me. Which is fine, I enjoy teaching. This gave me an idea to maybe try that out as an acutal job for a year. I was in ESL for 2 years so I understand how frustrating it can be to learn English specifically. I'm a recent grad who doesn't own anything yet and my cell phone plan contract ends soon. Now would be the perfect time to go. So I have an interview on July 16th, and I am very nervous but excited at the same time. My only issue with living in Japan would be... Mosquitoes and Humidity which are a pretty big deal if you ask me, but not deal breakers!
So now that you spent you time reading this blog, I ask one thing. Don't judge my grammar because I'm not checking it. Its almost in diary format, where I just type what I think. I would also like to thank you for taking time to read it