Round Two

I must have known there would be trouble. Upon my return to my office, I left myself encouraging notes on my desk. Around 4 AM, I had tantrum about going back. I had such a wonderful visit home. I realize I have a great supportive partner whom told me to go back be a grown up and properly finish what I started. My idea was to not get back on the plane and whatever happens happens. The plane ride was a very uncomfortable 17 hours which mostly was a daze to me. I kept thinking I couldn't believe I was going back and then I could not believe I thought it would be ok and sure just hop back on the plane. On the plane, I watched movies because I could not sleep. I did not sleep Sunday because of sadness, I missed sleep on Monday, so when I got off the plane it was Tuesday evening. I rode the bus back to base where Angela/Dave picked me up and took me to my apt. At that point, I could barely stand. I felt very wobbly. I had a lot of mail, but the apt was the same. It was cold and bare, but I tried not to think about it. I unpacked and realized my shampoo had leaked all over because I had forgotten to close it. I know that was so unlike me. I put away everything, realized I did not pack a lot of stuff, and left a lot of things that I liked at home. Although, I was dreading sleeping on my futon it was fine. This morning I was an hour late for work. This is not much going on seeing that it is New Years Eve. I had email, did my travel report, organized this and that, and now back to my beloved blog whom I have severely neglected over the holidays. So what is my game plan now? Tonight, I am going to eat at Chilis and then with Angela/Dave, Eko to the Chiefs Club on base, but no big partying as we are going to Tokyo Disneyland tomorrow. On Friday, I will do my planning for the weekend as I am trying to do as much as possible because I believe my future here may be limited. However, I see a hot spring on Sunday in my future! I wish everyone a wonderful, safe, and happy New Year. Baby, I love you can't wait to give you kiss in 2009.

Packed with an Interview

The lady called the job sounds great I have a telephone interview on the 1/8/08, but the job would start till March. I am going to do everything in two months, leave properly, and with all my stuff. I am going to Tokyo Disneyland to start off the New Year then Hong Kong, Singapore, and Hot Springs!!!! So excited about 20 hours of travel!!!

To go or not to go that is the question

Why at the last minute do I get an interview for 1/8/09? I want to stay I do. I see no reason to go back other than to travel. However, Rosalind says go back and finish what I started. I know she is right so as of this minute with my dog pouting on my lap I am going. I am going to a place where I have few friends and a few if I never saw again that would be great. I have had a wonderful time home. I realize this is where I want/need to be no more grass is greener it never is. So do I finish what I start? I guess we will see in a couple hours. I am packed, but as I sit here with my dog and Rosalind supportively telling me to go, that it will be ok, and baby stop crying.

Happy Birthday Baby! Happy 6 yr Anniversary too!!!

I am so excited I can't sleep either that or the jet lag still has me all mixed up. Late Tuesday, I got to South Bend and found out my luggage was still in Chicago. That was the exact information I wanted to hear since I had already been in the same clothes for two days. I ate at the hotel restaurant and went to bed. Wednesday, I got up went to restaurant called Perkins like a country Denny's and enjoyed being in a restaurant where I understood the menu, the waitress, and the other people speaking. After, I got a taxi and had him show me around Norte Dame and then to the mall. The mall was your typical small ass town mall. However, they had a Sephora and spent way to much on new eye makeup. By the way, if you wear cream eye shadow buy eyeshadow primer it really works. I proceeded to walk around buy socks, a pair of jeans, and a purple sweater. I am trying hard to venture outside the world of black shirts. I went back to the hotel, got my luggage, went to the gym, and then back to Perkins. Really, it was just to cold to walk any further. I got to the hotel room around 8 PM and passed out. It was odd and I can only assume jet lag. Today, I went to the conference. It was boring and a lot of group interaction with strangersand you know how I love that. In addition, the group was amazed I was working in Japan since everyone else in the room was from Indiana. After, I went to the gym, went to the hotel restaurant, sent the food back which I never do because it was gross, and walked to Bob Evans, a white trash country version of Denny's. I am so excited about going home am sorry I missed the snow. I wanted to wish my baby/monkey a very Happy 35th birthday and Happy 6 yr anniversary. I love you forever.

My 90 day progress report

I have been in Japan for 3 months, am about to be 32, and going home for a much needed visit. What are 32 things I have done and learned from Japan?

1. Lived on a naval base 2. Discovered my love for Chilis 3. Rode the bullet train 4. Saw shrines 5. Learned a little about the Buddhist and Shinto religion 6. Accepted I would never drive here 7. Became an expert on the Japanese train system. 8. Learned to communicate with my face and hands. 9. Discovered how fascinating a 7/11 could be 10. Became oddly comfortable with naked Japanese. 11. My addiction to the hot spa 12. Learned a little Japanese 13. Liked some parts of Tokyo 14. Being in love with Thailand especially Phuket 15. Realized you cannot force a friendship no matter what the circumstances and go with my instincts 16. Being friendly all the time was exhausting 17. Getting lost in Japan was scary 17. Walking up hills got easier over time 18. Appreciating my washer/dryer 19. I could survive with minimal furniture 20. Found my lunch buddy 21. Japanese Denny's was not good 22. Vending machine restaurant 22. Go if invited somewhere 23. Saying no if I did not want to go 24. Finding good in people that are different from me 25. Riding the bus to work made me late especially if I did not get up on time 26. Some days I cried because I wanted to go home 27. Sending packages and cards made me happy 28. Seeing North Korea 29. Accepted that sometimes I will be the third wheel 29. Internet TV 30. Importance of planning my weekends 31.My blog helped with homesickness 32. Loving Rosalind even more for supporting me through the past three months.

I am excited about going home. I cannot wait to see my monkies and magee. I leave in a couple of hours and will be in South Bend aroud 7 PM on Tuesday. Not sure, if I will be able to work on my blog if not I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Thank you for being a friend..

The Christmas party was fun, the usual people you don't know, food, and drinks. The highlight was the raffle where they had all kind of cool prizes. I really thought I would win but no. However, Angela won a kind of ugly jade necklace. After, we proceeded to go out to Club Budweiser. She karoked I'm too Sexy and These boots were made for walking. The crowd loved it meaning about 15 or so young sailors that of course all took off their shirts which made the bar seem extra gay. After, we headed over to the Texas bar, another fine establishment and where I realized we needed to go. The next day Angela informed me that I told her to go with shore patrol, the guys whom walk around the Hounch making sure no one is to drunk. She got home, but did not go to work. I went to work and barely moved from my office. That evening I rented movies and laid on my futon. Saturday, I was supposed to met people for the Christmas lighting stuff, but I was an hour late and did not. However, I met up with the Russian, went to tour the George Washington ship, ate at my favorite restaurant, Tomato&Garlic, and stormed off. The Russian and the I will not be friends. After I stormed off, I met up with Eko and had the best time with her. She took me to a tiny Japanese bar by her house that she had never been too. It had a little bar, with about 8 seats, a karaoke machine, that only had Japanese songs, and a little old Japanese lady serving drinks and food. Everyone in the place was Japanese and at least 70 yrs old. Of course, we were a big hit and me being the American the little old lady kept making me food and watching me it. I felt like I was hanging with the Japanese golden girls. I told Eko we found our new bar. Today, I slept, took a walk, went to TGI Fridays, went to the naked house, and packed for home. Tomorrow, I am going to sleep at Angela's and one last time at Chilis before South Bend then NEW ORLEANS!!

Christmas in Japan!

Touring the ship with the Japanese that has nuclear weapons on it.

Such the rock star, later that evening she had the crowd meaning 20 yr navy guys singing these boots were made for walking. We managed to create our own gay bar!!

My first navy Christmas party!

Things I saw on my walk home tonight...

It was a very average day and nothing really happened. I went with Angela to Chilis and it was not very good, but I strayed away from what I usually order. I had two clients. I decided not to go over to Eko's house instead went to the gym and walked home. On my walk home, I started with taking pictures in various convenience stores, then taking pictures of random things that I saw everyday until my battery literally told me it was exhausted. Also, I am excited about the Christmas party tomorrow and hope to have some fun drunken pictures from it.

The dreaded laundromat :(

One of the buses I ride to work and sometimes to the apt.

However, you need a special card to buy them on the street.

My favorite thing I have eaten in Japan, chicken caesar with egg crepe

I heart the drink machines in Japan.

A vending machine restaurant

Being a good Jew, this was the first restaurant I ate in Japan.

A view of my train station, Yokosuka Chuo

I so want to pose for a picture with him.

Pachinko or what I like to call Japanese video poker

It was diffcult to take this picture without being noticed, well not really

My favorite crackers are the Brie in the black bag.

Kit Kat comes in all different flavors here apple, grape, lemon etc...

A canned Chu Hi all you need is one.

Japanese love to put words together that make no sense. By the way, this is some sort of pastry.

I thought it would be delicious and they forgot something called sugar.

Frito Lay needs to give me some cash

This evening while doing laundry I went to a convenience store called Family Mart. I was looking around seeing if there was anything new when I discovered Chocolate covered Cheetos. I would like to declare that I made the discovery in high school or college while under the influence of a substance I discovered the deliciousness of chocolate and Cheetos. I will have to confirm with Jessica, but I remember mixing M&M with Cheetos in college which I am sure contributed to my weight gain freshman year of college. Anyway, it was a great discovery and hopefully I will remember to bring some home with me. Yesterday, I went to work, went to the gym, got caught in the rain, and stayed up watching TV. Today, I went to work, mailed off Rosalind's birthday present (I want her to have a present on her birthday even though I will be there the next day), ate Subway with Angela (whom is now officially my lunch buddy), and saw some clients. After work, I went to the gym and decided to do laundry even though I dread it. Tomorrow, I am going over or out to eat with Eko. Thursday, I am going with Angela to a base Christmas party, and Friday I would never do laundry on a Friday night. So I had to face the fact that today I had to do laundry, but I thought to myself hopefully this would be the last time I would have to do laundry like this for at least a month. I went home got the laundry together, got there, ate at the vending machine restaurant, and discovered chocolate covered Cheetos. I think that was my biggest success of the day. Lastly, I have decided Facebook is good I was unsure, but it's cool to see people I thought I would never see again and with getting to know my cousins.

I could have been a millionire.

I heart Korea even though it is smelly!

On Thursday, I made it to base, got pancakes from McDonald's, met up with Angela and her husband Dave, and got to the airport. The flight was very easy, especially since I was reading this book that I absolutely loved. We got to Korea and took the shuttle over to the Dragon Hill Lodge. It was on the base in Seoul and had a ton of different restaurants, like Pizza Hut, Subway, and Burger King. I realized I had not seen a Burger King in almost 3 months, but did not eat there. Anyway, once we checked in we headed over to our Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel. For the most part, it was not very good and the main thing I liked was off the children's table (pigs in a blanket). After, we went to one of the hotel bars and had several drinks. We went to bed early to get up to take the DMZ aka demilitarized zone between South and North Korea. At 7:30 AM we met up with the tour and went about 2 hours North to the DMZ zone. Our first stop led us to one of four tunnels discovered by South Korea that North Korea claimed they dug when looking for coal and not because they were trying to invade South Korea. We made the the trek far below the earth and as I was walking down I thought oh fuck we have to walk back up. When we got down there, it really was painted black. Also, apparently North Korea wants money from South Korea for the tour claiming they should get some since they dug the tunnels. Whatever, the next part of the tour took us to a viewpoint of North Korea. It was very foggy and really could not see much, but it was a really neat experience. Last part of the tour, took us to the train station from South Korea to North Korea. The only people allowed to ride it are people in South Korea that work at this one specific factory. However, I was told that on Friday it was closed due to conflict indefinitely. We got back to the hotel and I went and got my nails done. I swear I saw a bunch of nail shops nothing like Japan. After, we had decided to see a traditional Korean show and have a traditional Korean meal. The show was kind of interesting and the food was absolutely disgusting. In Korea, they serve Kim Chi with every meal. Kim Chi is picked or rotten cabbage. It is so gross and everywhere/everyone in Korea smells like it. I have no idea what 90% of the meal was, but none of it was good. The next day, Angela and I went to get Korean massages. It was a lot like the naked house,but Korean style. You go in pay, take off your clothes, soak in hot water with other naked people, then the little Korean lady called me up for my massage. Anglea and went up there and the little Korean told me what seemed very sternly to lay on the table. I laid on the table and she took out what felt like to Brillo pads and scrubbed my entire body. It was painful and not a good I idea. She flipped me from side to side and I could see skin coming off. Yuck, most of you know that I very sensitive skin and I could feel a slight rash developing over my entire body. However, I am dumb ass and proceeded with the massage. She walked on my back, dumped baby oil and milk everywhere and rub it in, while dumping hot water every couple of minute. I know this sound so fun, but it was an experience. After it was over of course I had a rash everywhere, but ignored it and hoped it would go away. It was so cold that day that I guess the rash went away. We got to the hotel, got her husband, and went to a night market. It was like 20 degrees and freezing. We looked around a bit and I bought some things. After, we went to Outback Steakhouse. It was delicious and by this time Angela had convinced her husband to try the Korean Massage. We dropped him off, found a bar where I could try So Chu/Korean moonshine like 40% alcohol in the shot, and found a bar that for around 5 dollars you could drink free. Dave finished the massage and I am pretty sure was traumatized by the experience. We went back to the hotel and some more drinks. The next day I woke up with a full body rash, traveled back the whole day with it, and went to the emergency room when I got back on base. It was quick got medicine, and woke up feeling much better. I had a great time in Korea, but I leave for America in a week!!! Also, I want to say Happy Birthday to my favorite smelly 30 year old in DC.

Before drinking the Korean moonshine

After drinking the Korean moonshine

Freezing my ass off at the night market

I wish I had been drunk my Korean massage made me so sick :(

I am so funny!

Such pimps that is like 100 dollars, but a zillion Won.

Angela enjoying the delicious meal.

Kim Chi, smells and tastes like garbage and all of Korea/people,places,animals smell like it.

Cass my favorite Korean beer!

At our traditional Korean dinner, the food was so disgusting.

By chance, we found the war memorial where they were celebrating 60 yrs since the war.

Very charming, I so want to go there.

The train station that can take you to North Korea. However, I heard it closed the day I went.

North Korea and me!!

If you look at the fog you will see North Korea.

Being very mature on the tour.

On the tour, we got to go down in the tunnel that North Korea dug to try to invade South Korea. When the tunnels were discovered North Korea said they were looking for coal and even painted the tunnels black. Apparently, it is common knowledge no coal in that area. Also, it was a bitch climbing the tunnel back up.

Am I the only one that did not know KIA and Hyundai were Korean cars??

Yum! Korean worms are everywhere.

Hopefully, I will heart Korea

I am really excited about Korea. I have no real expectations of this trip, but can't wait to take my picture at the North Korea border!!! The plan thus far is wake up, get to base, take the bus to the airport, we will be there at 4:30 PM, 1:30 AM New Orleans time, and will be having Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel. I am excited to see the hotel, I will be staying at the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, should I be captured by the communists. Friday, we are taking the DMZ tour aka North Korea. Saturday, I am not sure, but maybe some shrines, shopping, and cheap spa treatments. On Sunday, back to Japan and one week of work before I come home!!!! Happy Thanksgiving.

Coming home baby!!!!

You guessed it I'm coming home, well at least for two weeks. For the past month, I was trying to come home without having to pay for it. I managed to find a conference related to counseling military children,in South Bend, Indiana (who knew Norte Dame was there). After, I got approved to go to New Orleans for two weeks. I fly into Indiana on the 9th, fly to New Orleans on the 12th and even managed to fly out of New Orleans on the 29th. Now, you may be thinking will I get back on the plane on the 29th and I am. I have too I really don't know what the consequences would be if i did not return. So I am super excited to come home and be able to see Rosalind, Monkey, & Magee, go to the last Saints game, and spend my birthday/Christmas at home. My Hong Kong trip will now be at President's Day on Feb.12-16th. Today, I spent most of the day making arrangements for my travel. I did have two clients and got one more. I guess business is picking up right before I leave. However, I have been a counselor for a while and I know most people in counseling stop coming until after the holidays are over. Even though it is probably when they need the most outside support. I went to the gym and met my new friend at Chilis. She is staying at the hotel where I stayed when I first got here. Tommorow, I have some clients and my last time with my English class. I will miss them I truly enjoyed talking with them. At least, I know they have a great understanding of New Orleans. I have my fingers crossed that maybe he will just give me the class. After, I am meeting Eko for drinks and the next day Korea. I will try to update, but this maybe my last post till Sunday. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and can't wait to see you.

Getting lost in Kitakara

On Friday, I went to the gym and to my newest hot spot TGI Fridays. I really love the Friday's Chicken, grilled chicken with bacon and cheese. I went to sleep at 8 because of my trip the next day which I had to be on base for 4:30 AM. Surprisingly, I easily got up, put my many layers of clothes on, and got a taxi right away.The trip consisted of couples and old people. I had my own seat being one of the only single people on the trip and headed 400 miles north of Yokosuka. We stopped at a truck stop where it was covered in snow. I walked round, made a snowball, and was surprised that it was cold, but not that cold you could not be outside. After, we went to our first stop some storehouse, which was boring. Our next stop was Kitakara. Apparently, Kitkara is like the ramen capital of Japan, people come from all over Japan just to eat this ramen. It was ok, but after the ramen I separated from the group thinking I knew where I was going. I didn't and got so lost. I knocked on this car and an older lady who spoke no English tried to help me with directions. She pulled over and asked me to what I can only guess was if I wanted a ride. Her son was with her and spoke a little English. They drove me to the place I had pointed to on the map and I freaked when we got there because it was the wrong place. I started tearing up and panicking, I acted out the place I was suppose to meet the tour bus and some how they figured it out. I jumped out the car and thank them. I got to the bus like 10 mins. late, but no one noticed. I decided that my helplessness is international and even when I don't speak the language i still can get someone to help me. However, I later realized I left my new gloves and my sunglasses in their car. I will miss my sunglasses. The rest of the tour seemed to take forever. I went to a castle, it was pretty. I got back to the base at midnight and caught a ride from a coworker. On Sunday, I went with a person I met on the tour to Tokyo. She had only been here for two days and me being an expert of Japan I showed her around. We went back to Harajuku and to Shibuya area. Both places had a million people and it made me very cranky. Unfortunately, I did not know this girl and I was cranky, maybe a new friend or not. I got back, got my laundry, and American lady pulled over and asked me if I needed a ride. Although, I know it is dangerous i risked it for a free ride to the laundromat. Back at work, got good news that I will share maybe tomorrow or the next day.

On Sunday, I went back to Harajuku street minus all the umbrellas. I walked down that street and was very cranky by the end.

Part of a replication of a samurai apartment from back in the day

My first castle, I was disappointed to learn that it had been rebuilt in the 60's and was not 400 yrs old. I learned there are only two original castles left standing in Japan. I will have to locate them and see the legit castles.

My shoes in the snow for Rosalind.

I thought the leaves were pretty.

A tribute to my sunglasses that I lost later that day :(

Snow!!! Lots and Lots of snow!

Ready for the cold, I have on two pairs of pants, two undershirts, sweater, jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and parka with fur. I could barely get out the door.

I made it through another week.

Yeah! It's Friday, looking back over the past week my professional opinion is that this job depresses me. I know what your thinking, especially Rosalind that I knew that before taking it. I really did I knew I would do nothing and get paid for it. You may read this and think why is she bitching I would love a job where I did nothing. As for me, I am person whom not only loves, but needs to stay busy. So, I am not sure what I am going to do, but that I am glad it is Friday and I don't have to be in this office. Last night, I had my second English class and I explained to the best of my ability American football. I know me teaching about football, but I needed a topic that was an American issue that they probably had little understanding about. Also, before I leave they will be experts on the subject of New Orleans. We drew pictures, talked about the stadiums, one even knew who Peyton Manning was, and explained Superbowl Sunday. They seemed to really enjoy it and proceeded to explain to me Japanese baseball. It is huge here and taken very seriously, well the Japanese take everything very seriously. After, I went to the naked house/onsen. I love it there. You can take a shower, not have to clean up, soak in the hot water, and go home. You see most bathrooms and apartments in Japan are so small you can barely move around in them. So you come to soak and enjoy the space. Also, it was freezing and it was nice to be in the hot water. Now, I am back at work, no plans for tonight because I have to be on base for 4 AM. However, I guess I will be walking in the cold unless I see a taxi no buses run at that time. I can't really call a cab because they do not speak English. Other than that I am looking forward to my first trip with the recreation department on base. We are going to Aizu, which is 400 miles north of Yokosuka. I hate the cold yet I signed up to go further north, where even on the itinerary said to wear many layers. We are going to Kura no Saton suppose to be like old school Japan, then Tsurga castle my first castle, and back to Yokosuka. We get back at 9 PM and then I am meeting Eko for drinks. Sunday, I have no real plans, but may really try to go to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. I hope you have a great weekend. Miss everyone tons...

I think the hot drinks at the 7/11 are cute.

I have never had these, but I like the name Snufkin.