The Adventures of Fuz

Moving on

2010-02-10T15:29:00.003+09:00

I haven't really been properly updating this blog for ages, and now that Ah-chan is here my whole life has changed anyway, so the "Adventures of Fuz" doesn't seem to cut it any more. What was meant to be a blog for a year away turned into my life, and my life is no longer the crazy antics of a single girl. So, off to pastures new and all that - for those that are interested the Ozawa family's goings-on and whatnot can now be found at:

http://sunnyshimizu.blogspot.com/

I warn you now, it'll probably be all about Aisha.... :D

Moving House (again) and all that...

2009-10-15T15:49:00.006+09:00

At the end of August I moved house and onto my sixth Japan address. I am planning on staying at this one for quite some time though; no more house moves for me. Also, Hiro has only moved house twice in his life, both with me and I don't think he's impressed. The words "never again" may have crossed his lips several hundred times, albeit in Japanese.

So, as usual with moving house I became internet-less briefly, due to our decision to move onwards and upwards from basic ol' broadband and onto fibre optic. I'd like to use the lack of internet as an excuse for not blogging, but to be quite honest it has more to do with a) me being exhausted; b) me being lazy, and c) not having found my camera since moving to take pictures. I have finally found my camera but sadly it seems to be lacking the charger and cables, rendering it a bit useless at the moment. Until such times as all the parts resurface, I've pinched Hiro's. The joys of marraige - what's his is mine, and what's mine is mine. It's awesome; I effectively gained a car!

Work is now over, and has been for two weeks... and baby-chan is expected in about another two weeks! How time flies... I think everything is ready but only time will tell. I am properly MASSIVE, and will take pictures and post them later due to the high number of requests. Many Japanese people are convinced that I am going to give birth to some kind of giant baby, but I keep reassuring them that western babies are bigger and the doctor reckons I'm on track for somewhere between the average Japanese size of 2500g and the average American of 3500g (somewhere between 5 and 7 pounds, basically). So, no worries there. The hospital gave me a card to fill out, marking every day how long it takes the baby to move ten times, and said I should only be worried if it takes more than 30 minutes. Baby's longest so far is about 8, so I think we are good there.

Right, that'll do for now. I'll leave you with some pics of my new abode, and after the docs on the weekend will follow up with some more baby-chan related news!

view from the back window

living room

kitchen

view from bedroom balcony

Baby-chan's bed!

2nd view from bedroom balcony

front of house!

Car, complete with S-Pulse sticker.

Next door was a green tea field. It's being pulled down, but the persimmon tree appears to be staying.

Natural Disaster

2009-08-13T08:38:00.002+09:00

So, the morning before last at 5.07 a.m I woke up to the building starting to shake and rattle. I promptly grabbed Hiro and we held onto each other as things fell off shelves and the intensity of the movement increased. The noise was immense, caused either by the walls or the objects within them moving. After nearly 5 years of life in Shizuoka and hearing about the big one I thought it had finally come, and was wondering if the house would fall down when the movement ceased. Hiro leaped out of bed and ran around turning off gas and opening the door (in case another bigger quake came and we couldn't open the door or get out if necessary), while I in my slow-moving state found some clothes just in case I ended up having to evacuate.

Minutes later my mobile starting beeping away, other people wondering what the hell and was everyone ok? We came through to the living room and turned the T.V on, not only had there been a 6.4 magnitude earthquake, Shizuoka was the epicentre. There was a small tsunami of 60cm in Yaizu following the tremor, and it seemed the building was continuously moving with aftershocks, most of which only caused the house to gently rock. When Hiro did persuade me to go back to bed I had no sooner lay down than the biggest aftershock yet, rating about 4 on the scale rocked the building again. This pattern of aftershocks continued throughout the day, causing me and I daresay others to be nervous sleepers.

The news listed 81 people as injured and as of yesterday only one dead, which is miraculous considering. A couple of nearby towns were waterless and part of the motorway collapsed, but the government are on it here and people were being given water a few hours after the quake had struck. In terms of household damage, we lost a vase and the light fitting fell off, but nothing else broke - possibly partly due to everything being packed up for moving.

The international news coverage has been weak; it was mentioned on CNN within a few hours but it took the BBC over eight hours to even mention it and then it was detailed as a "Tokyo" earthquake, getting the number of injured people and even the tsunami facts wrong. Pretty disappointing; the information was on T.V all day and available on English websites within Japan so either those at the BBC are downright lazy or just incompetent. I hear from a friend that the '95 Kobe quake was the same. The lesson to be learned from this? Don't trust news stories!

We're all ok though, and while the earthquake was terrifying it didn't leave excessive damage and it shows just how prepared Japan is for such an event. Hopefully when the Tokai quake hits us, the recovery will be just as smooth.

July and all the things that happened...

2009-08-08T07:21:00.002+09:00

July was a wet month here in Japan. For the first time since I have been here I actually felt that rainy season was sufficiently wet to earn its name. I guess growing up in Scotland can make one cynical about such things - "you call this rain? hah!" - but this year July was truly a soggy month. It was still bloody hot though.

I turned 26 this year, my last birthday before baby-chan arrives, and the first birthday in a very very long time when alcohol did not touch my lips. Some people seem to be surprised that I have just jacked in the booze completely, but there is a difference between need and want. I never needed to drink, I just enjoyed drinking in the company of friends. Apparently the odd small drink is ok, but even when Hiro poured me a small glass of wine a few weeks back I found myself taking just a couple of sips before deciding I didn't want it. Talk about priorities changing!

We're slowly but surely getting ready for the arrival of baby-chan. I have steadfastly refused to find out if baby-chan is a boy or a girl which appears to be driving numerous friends and my in-laws crazy, but I want the surprise at the end. So far we've sorted out the bed and mattress which was a lot harder than it sounds. We're using the actual bed Hiro slept in when he was a wee baby, but you can't get that size of mattress in Japan any more; everything was too small which poses a real safety hazard. After much searching online I finally secured a mattress from the U.S which fits perfectly - a big relief. We've received a car seat, a sling and changing table, have the promises of a pram and a baby basket, and have started gathering clothes and nappies and bottles, so Hiro can take a turn at feeding now and then. We still have a lot to organise, but it feels like we are beginning to get there.

Now that we have started to fill the house with baby goods and just as I was thinking about decorating baby-chan's room, we got the news that we will need to move sometime before the end of the year. As we don't want to move with a newborn we bit the bullet and started searching and very quickly found a lovely wee house, still in Shimizu but a bit further into the mountains. The area seems to have a massive population of butterflies - I have never seen so many different kinds in the one place before. There is a green tea field next to the house, and gardens and a wee stream nearby. I have never yet lived in a house in Japan with a nice view from every single window, but the new house has it. We even have enough space out front to park a couple of cars and get a wee garden going, much to Hiro's delight. I have the keys now, as the landlady is lovely and realises moving house while 6 months pregnant isn't easy, so we can start moving our stuff gradually and getting the new house set to rights this week. Watch this space for pictures!

Hiro's sister is coming to live with us for a bit, as the new house has three bedrooms and she is between places of her own right now. She works nights so I wonder if we will be anything more than ships that pass in the night. I guess time will tell.

For now, I will leave you with the latest in baby-chan:

Hiro at the football....

2009-07-06T22:25:00.003+09:00

Note the key element in these pictures: beer and sake. Vital to the enjoyment of footie, for those who are able to drink.

Pics of 6th June party...

2009-07-06T22:08:00.005+09:00

I was living in hope of getting some better pictures, hence the delay in posting this lot. Neither Hiro nor I took a camera as we were both way too busy running around trying to talk to everybody and make sure they had a good time. Barry and Anthony got the best prizes in the bingo contest, as you can see. Otherwise everyone except me got really drunk!

Mr and Mrs Ozawa

2009-05-28T20:43:00.005+09:00

Yep, so I've done it... last Friday in my lunch break Hiro and I took advantage of the rainy day (which meant he wasn't working) and nipped down to city hall to hand in our wedding application. It was approved and I have since been to the bank and the police station to get my name changed.

I am having a little trouble remembering though- Hiro and I went to the maternity clinic on Saturday for a check up and scans etc and he had to gently remind me that I was in fact "Ozawa-san" when they called. I'll get used to it. I'm still Montgomery in the UK though, waiting for my official documents to be ready so I can send them off to be translated and then on to the UK to register the marraige there, and after that I can then change my name with the banks and all that malarky. I used my credit card the other day and nearly signed Ozawa, I'm going to have to be careful.

Baby Ozawa is coming along nicely:

Here he/she is rubbing his/her wee eyes at week 17. We would rather not know if baby Ozawa is a boy or a girl before the birth, but we realise it may become impossible not to know with the 4D scans. It's not clear enough here to be sure, but we might find out in the future.

Hiro and I received the very bed he used when he was a baby from his uncle, who used it for his kids and then kept it all these years. Its in good condition and his uncle is very kindly buying us a new mattress for it too. As soon as Hiro builds it I'll stick some pics here. He's been a busy man lately building things; I got some new wardrobes recently (thanks to my parents!) that he built too.

We have a kind of evening wedding celebration thing next Saturday night (ile all our mates in the pub) so I'm sure I'll pop some pics up of that soon. My tummy has suddenly started getting bigger so you may even be able to see the littlest Ozawa sticking out too!

Scotland with Hiro March 2009

2009-04-03T23:30:00.004+09:00

So, I would say that Hiro's first trip to Scotland was a success. He liked the folks, they liked him, he managed to become number one in the dog's rankings extremely quickly (which is probably the biggest test) and my nephew just wanted to play with "Hiwo". I've just nabbed some pics off his camera and the number of photos of just Max are unbelievable. I may yet win the Labrador vs Beagle fight!

He got roped into climbing and helping my dad cut down the tree in the garden - the needles were apparently driving the neighbour mad - and my mother and I helpfully watched from the upstairs window, shouting useful tips and advice to the workers. I don't think they fully appreciated our efforts somehow... But Hiro was a high way up in that tree!

The other highlight of his trip was fishing with my dad. My dad has made such an impression on Hiro that he has decided he wants to be just like him. God help me if the sense of humour catches on, one of them is bad enough.

This trip was a real family based excursion, spent a couple of nights out with mates but not so many as usual, partly due to the baby we are expecting in November... ah, there's a nice big bit of news for you! Before that though we are getting married in May sometime (as soon as I get all my papers through from the British embassy after my interview on the 14th). Busy life I lead, and about to get a whole lot busier.

I'll probably get some more pics up soon of France and whatnot, but for now, I'm off to bed...

Hiro's Birthday

2009-02-15T18:15:00.005+09:00

Hiro got a Rangers shirt to match mine. His has his name on it though, so he reckons its better than mine.

Someone got up at the crack of dawn and sneakily baked cakes for him to come home to....

So Hiro turned 31 on Friday (Friday the 13th, as it was later pointed out to me but I didn't make the connection). His friends all came over and by the time I came home from work there was a vertible party in the kitchen with them all fighting over who was cooking next. Not what you'd expect, but they all love cooking - which worked out pretty great for me. I just came home and ate it all!

Also, made the yummiest chicken ever for Valentine's dinner... anyone who fancies trying it can find the recipe here under stuffed chicken breast. I strongly recommend it.

Burns Night 09

2009-01-25T21:00:00.005+09:00

Scots Girls!

Hiro, doing his share of the cooking

Takumi fell asleep after stuffing his face.

Anthony having a taste of Scotland.

Helping Hiro and him watching me

Drinking nights at my house always end up with us playing cards for some reason..

Barry tried hard to read this in a Scottish voice, but it sounded more like Yorkshire...

Anthony's attempt was interspersed with comments like "wtf?" "I don't understand this" and "my head hurts". Hahaha.

Burns Night 09 - dinner was cock-a-leekie soup (no prunes) and a kind of Scotch pie.... they weren't exactly the same but were close approximations served with mash. The whisky and the cake were guzzled, and by the time we read the poetry most of us could hardly see the page. Great night, we went to bed around 4 and spent the whole of today bumming around eating and chatting. All in: perfect weekend!

Fuji-San

2008-12-28T11:52:00.002+09:00

I still absolutely love Fuji-San. On our way to the cinema yesterday we were walking round the port, with Hiro pointing out all the visible fish and me looking at the big mountain. I don't know, for some reason Fuji-San symbolizes Japan to me in so many ways, and every time I see her it makes me realize how lucky I am to live here and lead the life I do.

Twisting

2008-12-28T11:36:00.002+09:00

Takumi was in the girl's game.

I dropped out here because of the smell of Barry's feet.

Hiro, twisting.

An easier form of entertainment!

Christmas in Japan 08

2008-12-26T09:59:00.004+09:00

Emi

Hiro and Takumi

Barry and Momo

The happily married couple - Ant and Kazuyo

Surprisingly, I woke up today with not even a trace of a hangover, which proves the point I made to Hiro last week. I only ever have a bad hangover if I drink lots of beer. If I drink wine and sake like last night (I might have had one beer) I am totally fine. Conclusive evidence. Next year at the football I am on chu-hi (I guess a kind of alco-pop, for those who don't know).

Well. Christmas Day was a lot of fun. People started rocking up about 3 and we spent a lot of time just chatting, drinking and hanging out until we laid into the foodstuffs about 6. I'm judging that my Cottage Pie was the biggest hit (it was demolished very quickly) and I'm pleased I was asked for the soup recipe, especially given that it was my first time making it. Success! Got some odds and ends of everything left, so I guess I had enough food. I also figure that Hiro and I are on leftovers for dinner tonight, but that's all good.

Got some great prezzies. Barry gave me a large set of Twister, with pink and orange added in as extra colours. That was hilarious last night and there are some pics to follow (once others put them on facebook and I can steal them). I was right next to Barry when we played and had to drop out because of the smell of his feet. I am not joking, on whiff of his stinky foot and I fell over from the stench. Or maybe because I was laughing so hard at him. One of the two. Anthony and his good wife bought me an awesome kettle, I am so pleased, I love my tea and the old kettle was starting to look woeful (its kind of burnt on the outside and the whistle fell off a looong time ago). The new one is fabulous, and even has a stand to put it on when it's hot:

I love my new kettle!

All in all, I had a great day and was pleased to speak to my folks as well (thanks for calling!). In many ways it was like Christmas, but in others, totally different. Its too warm here for me to properly feel the Crimbo spirit but I am thankful that the year I didn't go home, neither did my mates. It wouldn't have been anything like Xmas at all without Baz and Anthony, especially without Anthony's Christmas-music-only DJ-ing.

Hope everyone else had as great a day as me. Bring on Hogmanay!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T13:17:00.003+09:00

Having spent a mad morning cooking, I decided to stick up a few pics before everyone arrives and we spend the day stuffing our faces and getting merry. Hiro and I did presents this morning and he was more than a little chuffed with his stash of Cadbury chocs from my parents! I had already recieved my presents from him - he bought me the lovely red coat above and some other clothes, which I am more than happy with.

Here is the Christmas feast I prepared (well, Hiro made the chicken) minus the large pot of veg and lentil soup bubbling away on the stove. I even made a cake and cookies to demolish for after! You can't see everything properly due to the cling film (seran wrap for all you non Brits) so here is the menu:

Fuz's awesome veg and lentil soup
Cottage Pie
Roast Chicken (stuffed with garlic) and roast potatoes
Roasted Vegetables (carrot onion broccoli and cauliflower)
Potatoes done with herbs and tomatoes
Cocktail sausages with bacon wrapped around them
Pasta in a pesto sauce
Assorted chopped raw veggies

There are about 8-10 people heading up so I am hoping we have enough food, but should be pretty safe I think. In the even that we run short, there is a seafood pizza and a four cheese pizza on standby in the fridge.

Yum yum yum....

Merry Christmas!

Xmas... news... life

2008-12-21T21:53:00.002+09:00

Apologies for lack of posts lately - I was without internet for about 5-6 weeks and then when I got it back, was super busy. I've just started my three week winter vacation though, so pretty psyched about that.

You may have noticed I have opened the blog again. After talking to various people and realizing that a lot of people who were reading it before were unable to access it I decided to take the restrictions off. I no longer work in such a stressful environment so its all good.

News - the house move went well and I have my own resident chef. It is truly awesome coming home to dinner on the table, or not far off it. I could get used to it. The Christmas tree and decorations have been up since the start of December and presents are gathering under the tree, which is great. Having peeps over on the big day, so undoubtedly pictures to follow. New job is pretty good so far, working in kindergarten is awesome. Oh, and Ben's nuptials to the lovely Uta was a great day; the wedding was so well suited to their personalities. It was a great day. Pics to follow once I get the copies from a certain Barry Valder who hasn't uploaded them yet.

Happy Christmas to all!

Last days of Oshaberi... the pics so far:

2008-10-29T19:19:00.004+09:00

I wore this just for you!

Momoe: I'm angry!

Rinku: No! I'm happy!

Taiga: No! Angry is best!

Monday Kindy - this was the fifth attempt, the girls kept crying!

Monday grade two - the mob squad

Tuesday Kindy - too cute for their own good!

Wednesday Kindy, formerly Wednesday Babies.

Second Wednesday Kindy. This lot are full of beans - back to back Kindy, I hope the new teacher has bags of energy!

And yes, loads of pressies as usual. Cakes and flowers coming out of my ears, a necklace, lots of photographs in nice frames, some hair clips, two hearts made of beads (from four and five year old girls) a pile of letters and pictures, and two bunches of flowers - one hand picked by a 12 year old boy in orange, yellow and white for my football team! Bless them. It is always hardest leaving the kids...

Halloween 08:

2008-10-26T18:51:00.003+09:00

Making mummies....

Cute kids and me:

Tired, but it was fun!

You know you're in Scotland when...

2008-10-22T08:26:00.000+09:00



	1. T in the Park is in your opinion the best summer music festival. 2. Archie Gemmill's goal against Holland in 1978 is the best ever goal! 3. You say "cheers" instead of thanks. 4. You love Irn-Bru and can't understand people that say it's sickly sweet fizz with bright artificial colouring. It's also the best hangover cure you believe. 5. You can't stop yourself supporting any team that plays England in any sport. 6. You wear nothing under your kilt and flash folk even if they believe you! 7. "Scattered showers with outbreaks of sunshine and a cold northerly wind" is good weather! 8. A sunny day with temp of 13c is time to wear shorts, skimpy clothes and have a BBQ! 9. You call chavs "neds". 10. What you call a suntan is what other people call sunburnt (well there are some lucky Scots but in general!!) 11. The only sausage you like is "square". 12. You call New Year's Eve "Hogmanay" and don't seem to think 2 days national holiday is long enough to recover from the partying! 13. Haggis is a tasty national dish not a glorified sheep's stomach filled with random minced organs and oats. 14. Sean Connery was the best James Bond. 15. You know curling and shinty are sports not birds. 16. You point out to foreigners that actually only some people have ginger hair in Scotland, not everyone. 17. You know fried Mars bars are only available in touristy places and nobody actually eats them. 18. You have been forced to do Scottish country dancing every year at High School. 19. You know a wide vocabulary of random Scottish words - an idiot is "a numpty". "Aye"- yes. "Aye Right"-not likely. "Atspish"- that's not good. "Auldjin"- someone over 40. "Baltic"-freezing. "bawbag"-useless person. "Dry yer eyes"- aww..diddums."Dry Boak"-sickened. etc 20. A cheap way to get wasted is to drink the neds' favourite tipple, Buckfast! 21. On the 25th January you feel obliged to attend a Burns supper. At the venue you drink whisky, eat Haggis & Neeps, listen to poems and then pass out! 22. You know what a Ceilidh is and how to pronounce it properly! 23. You casually tell foreign friends that if it wasn't for the Scots there would be no telly, penicillin, golf, fax machines, telephones, bicycles etc. 24. You have an irrational need to eat anything fried with your supper from the chippy: haggis, pizza, white pudding, sausage, fish, chicken (but not mars bars) etc... 25. You used to love destroying your teeth when you were young; Buchanan's toffees, wham bars, tablet, Irn-Bru bars, Cola Cubes, etc 26. You know Tennent's Lager is shite but you still order it? 27. You have an enormous feeling of dread whenever Scotland play a "diddy" team that we will lose. 28.You know that Scotland will never actually win the World Cup, but keep partying anyway! 29.You know that when asked "howsitgaun" any response other than "no bad" will be pyschologically analysed; has he/she won the lottery, dog died, etc. 30. You think you can speak Scottish Gaelic even though all you know is "Failte" and "Slainte va". 31. You will happily throw your rubbish on the street if there is no bin within 5 yards of you. 32.You have been accused of being from England while you are on holiday abroad. Repeatedly. 33.You would rather stand up on the bus for an hour than bother the person who's handbag is currently occupying the last available seat. 34.You happily engage in a conversation about the weather. "Dreich day eh? Aye at least the wind has died down". 35.You secretly curse the day the First Scotrail ticket barriers came into operation as you can no longer skive a train journey! 36.You love the Glasgow "Clockwork Orange" Underground even though it is now like a child's hornby train set compared to other city metro systems. 37.You actually do care if your mobile phone meets the current fashion standard. 38.People ask you if the Loch Ness Monster exists or haggis is an animal and you try to spread the myth further by stating it's true 39.You feel like a failure if you haven't got a full drivers licence before you're like 22. 40.You can recall only a handful of films set in Scotland that are not depressing or suicidal. 41.Even if you normally hate the Proclaimers, Runrig, Caledonia, Deacon Blue, Big Country etc. you still LOVE it when you're in a club abroad and they play something Scottish. (you'll probably even ask the DJ to play it…) 42. You feel bad if you're not outside on a sunny day. 43. You know when your friend, colleague etc says "fancy a pint?". It's never just the one pint, more like at least 4 or 5. 44. You feel special if you can speak another language in addition to English. 45. You take a perverse level of pride by the fact that Scotland has the highest number of alcohol and smoking related deaths in Europe. At least we know how to party, "Yer a lang time deed". 46. You expect (and do see) neds walking around bare-chested on a hot day with a bottle of Irn-bru or Daily Record stuck in his back pocket. 47. You can quite happily spend a whole day in the pub! 48. A full English Breakfast is transformed into a Scottish Breakfast by adding black pudding, potato scones and square sausage. 49. You are shocked to discover that you can't drink tap water abroad and must buy bottled water. Also you find water in England, Denmark etc just doesn't taste anywhere near as nice as Scottish water. 50. You attempt to use your legal tender Scottish Pound notes in England and then have to argue for 5 minutes to make them accept it or just walk out of a shop in disgust etc. 51. You will wait and hold the door for someone 100 metres behind you in case you cause offence. 52. You roll your R's like the Spanish, you say Grrreen or a la Tommy Sheridan -Utter Garrrbage. 53. You say sorry to someone who has bumped into you even though it was them. NB: This scenario changes if you spill your pint in a pub as a consequence of the bump. 54. You are in the USA and are constantly told "I love your accent, it's so....cool!" 55. You are in the USA and are asked "Where in Ireland are you from" "Huh, you Irish-Scotch are so much fun" etc 56. There are no lakes, only Lochs.

Unbelievable

2008-10-17T09:21:00.002+09:00

I started telling my students last Friday night that I am leaving at the end of the month. Inevitably this resulted in some sad faces, some angry parents as their childrens' teacher is changing, and some encouragement from the students who want me to be happy and succeed.

My Friday night ladies and I have a strange sort of lesson set up -i.e. I try to make them study but they are far more interested in talking about men, gossip, and general life. It's my girly chat session. I was explaining the situation on Friday when one of them (who owns a big company) turned around and said that she has a house she doesn't use and would I like to live there. She went on to explain that it used to be dormitory style accommodation for Brazilian workers of her company, and there are four big rooms, a huge kitchen and a bathroom and toilet. She assured me it was filthy and needed lots of work but that we could live there if we wanted. I came home and discussed it with Hiro, and we arranged to go and see it last night.

She wasn't kidding when she said huge about the kitchen, it's massive! One room (in the corner) she needs to keep some stuff in, but it locks and we don't need it, so that's totally fine. The other three rooms are all biggish, there is a long hallway and it's nowhere near as dirty as she made out. The wallpaper is falling off here and there but its clean and newish, so it should be easy for Hiro to fix, seeing as he is a painter / handyman professionally. He's talking about pulling it down and sanding down the wood walls, and he can feel free if he wants to.

We reckon we can use the kitchen as a big kitchen / living room together, and then have a bedroom, a spare room / study and a room for Hiro's toys - he has a C-DJ set and various other noisy things.

My student has no plans to use the house right now but she has said she may want to pull it down and build something new there in the future, so she can't promise us 5 or 10 years living there, but we should be good for a couple at least. She doesn't want any rent, she just wants us to pay the bills and the residential tax etc, keep it clean and maybe help her if she needs the downstairs cleaned out. Easy!

Man, I land on my feet sometimes.

Pics of new house to follow, as soon as we get it sorted - but I've got the keys!

Sorted!

2008-10-13T20:04:00.002+09:00

What a weekend of interviews that was! On Thursday night I scheduled another interview for Sat, which I was offered on the spot and the second interview of the day had the same result. Sunday's interview had more people to offer but she said I had a 'strong chance' and did a 'good interview'.

Decided to take the one I squeezed in on Sat - lots of working in kindergartens and with wee ones, suits me best. The others were good also, and it was hard to pick between them.

I called today, and the lady who interviewed me is trying to change the schedule to give me more kindergarten lessons instead of the one day with adults! Nice! I should have a new schedule by Friday / Saturday when I am going to sign my new contract.

Yay!

Guilt....

2008-10-10T23:29:00.002+09:00

And now the guilt is starting to seep in about leaving my students. One of my favourites (young guy, 28 married, such a family man, great sense of humour and hates golf) couldn't come tonight but sent me the following to the school's email about me leaving:

Dear Ms Fuzz (don't know how he knows that)

What's happened?
I was so surprised to hear your news and I'm feel so sad. Why did you decide quit a job?

If you can tell a reason I wanna hear it.
Will you quit really? Are you kidding?

You are my special English teacher in my life. Because you taught me English Pleasure.

As you know, I have to go business trip to China from 13th-17th. After that I have to join fOcking golf tournament of our company.

And I've heard that your farewell party on 24th OCT.
That's why I can not go.....

It is very said that I part without meet you.

I may come to dislike golf more and more.

Do not you put off that you quit work?

(name)

AAAARGH. Gutted. Now I want to stay for all my students! Dammit!

And life goes on...

2008-10-08T07:48:00.003+09:00

So am I job-hunting and have two interviews this weekend, one for Geos for Children and one for a smaller language school in Yaizu, run by a Japanese-Aussie couple. Both look good, Geos for the big company promotion prospects aspect and Bonorong for the environmentally friendly, only qualified serious teachers can work there approach. Fingers crossed!

I feel bad for some of my current students and I hope everything works out for them. The kids that came with me from Nova are now going to be messed around a bit, which is not good. Hopefully I can find a way to fit them in, whatever my new schedule is.

Last Friday after handing in my resignation I was walking back to school from the shop when I thought I could hear someone asking for help. I stopped and listened. I had initially thought it was someone in their house asking their family to help them with something but I realized the speaker was actually calling for anyone to help her. I started backtracking trying to locate the house the voice was coming from and got there at the same time as an older Japanese man. I asked him if he was going to help, and explained I was worried about language. To my complete and utter shock, he just shrugged his shoulders and walked away, leaving me to enter on my own. There was an elderly lady on the stairs who had fallen and needed a hand up. I offered to call an ambulance but she said she didn't need it, so I helped her up (and had a really weird conversation) before legging it back to school to get the manager to come and check on her. It all turned out well in the end but I still can't believe that man just walked away from someone asking for help.

Sat and Sun went to Tokyo and saw Radiohead. It was a good gig and I enjoyed it although the Japanese crowd were weird... no-one danced or sang or anything. Hiro has since explained that its meant to be a courtesy and sign of respect to the band, but it's so different from concerts at home. Barry, Ant and I are pretty decided that any big future gigs would be best watched in our own countries.

I've started packing for the big move. I'll be heading to Hiro's house from the end of the month and next year we will get a new house together. It's all really falling into place for me and I'm sure I can get a new job soon. The current one still annoys me, but now that I'm leaving, I really don't care anymore. I'll do what I need to do for the Halloween party and getting my own stuff ready before I go, but I'm not going to lose any more sleep over it.

Offending people

2008-10-02T19:47:00.003+09:00

So if you are reading this you will realise I have changed the blog to invited readers only. Not because I want be up myself or check who reads it, but because recent posts have caused offense to people I didn't know read this.

It sucks, because I feel like my privacy was invaded. I know that's daft, cos this is on the internet and all but it was horrifying to realise they had read my recent thoughts. This is all written for me, maybe for people who know me to find out what's going on etc, but not for them. They seemed to forget all the parts that said I didn't think they were bad people and focused instead on the negatives. Urgh. I hate this company.

Today's meeting resulted in a big emotional conversation based on people's feelings - honest to God, I just wish I wasn't surrounded by all this hippy crap. I just don't fit. There are so many things I could say about it all but I don't even have the energy.

I apparently should relax and have fun for the last couple of months. Man, I want to make it better and more structured and provide tools for improvement, not play games and mess around. Despite it all, no-one sees where I am coming from at all, the focus was just on how much I should change. Why should I? Why should I change things I don't want to? What I need to change is the environment around me... which I will do by leaving. (Apparently though, I am just "running away" and not "facing up to things").

It's odd. I actually made such an effort this week not to criticize, to ignore the things I thought were wrong and what for? It didn't make a damn bit of difference.

What's more frustrating is that they don't think I should be blogging about anything, but what's the point in having it? It's like my release has been taken away from me. "Talk to us, tell us if something is annoying you" - but when I do, you get mad at me! I just can't win.

I'm reassured by friends though. Past teachers understand where I am coming from and are encouraging me to get out as quickly as I can, and I am looking into possibilities of bringing my escape forward. Hiro has been really supportive which is awesome, and I'm pretty sure after the state I was in today he is contacting the manager to talk about it - even though he has been told a million times to stay out of it, I think there's just a protective streak in him that wants to make sure I'm not going to come home like this again, which is fair enough, really.

It's a shame though, I'll miss the students. Hopefully I'll be able to keep in touch with them even after I've gone.

Ah, only one more day, and it's the weekend. Bring it on.

Ups and Downs

2008-09-28T09:44:00.002+09:00

It's been another stressful week of work but at least this week has had some good points, and forced me to make a decision.

It extremely frustrating to get ready to drive to your lesson and find that the car has no petrol because your coworkers used it for non-work related activities and didn't bother to fill it back up. It just confirms any thoughts you had about them not realising that what they get paid for is actually a job, with responsibilities. It seems that they have time to check email and facebook and so on but not to do things. They say you have taken on too much and to ask them for help, but what you have asked for help with hasn't been done - or some of it has, but not all. One hasn't even tried to help at all. Another says they cannot help with making the lesson plan pile for new teachers because they "dont have any good lesson plans". Well, if that is the case, why aren't you trying to change that? Or do you just not care?

That said, it its not all bad. They are nice people at the core, as is the boss. I guess I'm just not suited to this environment. I can't help feeling its unprofessional and half-assed. I realize that my frustration with everyone has been showing and I'm probably not really doing anything except getting people's backs up. I'm reassured by friends opinions and that others (outwith work) can see where I am coming from. It's just not the best place for me to work. I'm going to step off the gas a little I think, stop bringing so much work home and go at the easier pace everyone else seems to employ. And if when I leave they feel lost or that there wasn't enough done, it won't be my problem. I'll be gone, and I'll have tried. I can't say that they aren't considerate. I was sick on Friday night and two of my co-workers were really great and happy to cover my lessons for me, and I appreciate it. But then I was never complaining about them not being kind or generous, just not sharing the kind of work ethic I'd like everyone to have.

I feel kind of bad about the social aspect of the school. This is an area the others are much better at than me, partly because I'm so busy I don't have time to think about it, either in work or free time. We were trying to organise a Halloween party for adults but the 1st is a no-go for me, cup final day, and the week after is the derby and I don't want to miss it. Technically its an away game, but the end is closing in and we have really improved recently, its going to be an exciting finish to the season, and I don't want to miss more than I have to. The weekend after the manager has to go to a wedding, and the weekend after that, I am going to the great and wonderful Ben-chan's wedding to the lovely Utako. No chance I'm missing that. So basically because of my hectic schedule, we aren't having a Halloween party (although I wouldn't mind if they did it with out me) we are having a "Welcome Winter party" for the adults at the end of November. It's all good I guess, but that's gonna be really tight with the Christmas events later... I don't mind hanging out with the students but sometimes I feel like it intrudes on the rest of my life. I've tried explaining about the football, but I guess the others just can't understand how important it is to me. So I'm the one letting everyone down, when it comes to the forced fun activities. Still, it's not like I'm not doing it, I will, and I'll even smile, because as I said, I like the students (and my co-workers too).

So, chilling out. Hiro reckons I was sick on Friday because I was stressed out, and he's probably right. I'm still going to work in work time (no photos or facebook for me) but I will relax a little and try not to be so uptight.

In other news, I went out with my friend Hide last night. It's really been far too long since I saw him and I was gobsmacked by the change in his kids. Naoki, who was really a small four year old when I met him is now very confident in his "big-brother" role. Kotomi has change into a chatty but serious girl who goes to school next year, and Maho has totally lost her baby look and is very much a small girl at 2. She initially said that "this" (me) was scary but changed her tune pretty quickly. I guess that her brother and sister have no fear of me helped! Time really does fly, and I guess you see it more in kids because they change so quickly. I was really happy to catch up with them and to go out with Hide after. It's good to take time out every now and again.

Next weekend - Tokyo and Radiohead! Time out with my two boys - Baz and Ant. "Ah jist cannae wait, it's gonnae be pure dead brilliant, by the way".

To study, or not to study....

2008-09-21T16:12:00.003+09:00

It seems like everyone is upset about something these days. Work is as frustrating as ever and with the increased work-load everyone is being snippy. The Halloween party is the same day as a football game so I will have to miss my fourth game this season, something I am not best pleased about. Still, I have Tuesday afternoon off to watch the game then when I should be working, so I suppose it balances out. The good news is that the Halloween party is no longer the day after the cup final, which will allow me to enjoy (?) my hangover in peace.

Anthony and I finally got accommodation sorted for the Radiohead gig in Tokyo! Him, Barry and I are all traipsing off to Saitama for it, and will be heading out to the clubs afterward. It's just a couple of weeks away, so that's something to look forward to. It's ages since I went dancing. Maggie is going to meet us there so should be a good one.

I really should be studying, the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is early December so I have just a few months to get there. If only I wasn't so naturally good at procrastination. After I write this I'm just going to clean up my desk (for studying, obviously) and make a cup of tea (helps me think) and then I'll just organise my notes... you know how it is.

This year has just flown by, I cannot believe how much has happened. In another month or so it'll be a year with Hiro, and I just don't know where the time has gone. Christmas is rapidly approaching and this year it'll be spent in Japan, the rising fuel costs have made going home an impossibility this year, especially as I'll need to shell out for a ticket in July for a friend's wedding. It'll only be my second Christmas in Japan and as such I am planning on organising a big Christmas dinner for friends. A colleague referred to it as the "Orphans dinner" but I don't much like the sound of that. Just close friends getting together to have a good time is more like it. Much as I will miss my family I am looking forward to spending Christmas with other people that I love and I will make sure to get some skype time with the folks during the day. It's gonna be a good one.

I spent some time this morning chatting to a friend reminiscing about all the silly or funny things I have done in the past, which was entertaining and thankfully stopped me dwelling on everyone else's bad mood. Last night was a boozy one with Anthony, and I am increasingly thankful that I have already decided to change jobs. My students are great, teaching is great, this company is lacking. Trying to change anything for the better usually results in whining. I realise that I could run my own company much more efficiently, and it is definitely something to consider for the future. The possibilities are endless.

I've been considering the future a lot recently. I love my life here and although my work situation is currently frustrating I know I've been in much worse places at home, and have worked with much worse people. I love small things about Japan, like tatami or green tea or people being so polite everywhere, and the few things that I don't like are so small they are almost insignificant. Yet I know that if I stay here forever I will spend less time with my parents than I would like. I am acutely aware that my nephew is coming up on four yet has only met me a handful of times. I realise that I can blame no-one but myself for these things. Am I inherently selfish that I have chosen to live this life abroad? I know that even when I did live in Scotland I didn't spend the time with my family that I should have, or would have liked to. Does it make so much of a difference? In these days of communication, the Internet and cheap international calling I have the ability to talk to people whenever. I try to go home once a year or thereabouts, and will always try to do so. But is it enough? One of the reasons my school is weak and has so many problems is that the boss lives in Australia, and is really only involved on a part-time basis. Is it the same for family? Do you become part-time? Or is it different because even if you don't talk to them every day, they are still in your thoughts? I wonder. I guess time will tell.

Right, I'm going to clean up my desk now, and study. As soon as I've had that cuppa.

Work, footie, eye masks?

2008-09-14T22:48:00.005+09:00

So life goes on... I am busy preparing for leaving the school and although it is six months away have already organised the creation of a new curriculum for kids and am now re--vamping the level check process. It took my boss two weeks to reply to my resignation, but now that she has I can start updating my C.V and applying for jobs - definitely on this week's agenda.

My co-workers are driving me mad. Everywhere I look I see incompetence and while I realise I am harsh and this is slightly unfair, I cannot stop it. It is becoming increasingly difficult to zip my mouth and I have failed on a few occasions, like when one of them was moaning about a staff meeting and no time to prepare lessons and I had just witnessed her do nothing for twenty minutes. My suggestion that lesson planning instead of chatting would be more productive didn't go down well, and I merely upset another colleague who didn't think I should have said it - maybe not, but why complain to me about having no time to do things if you don't want an answer?

Anyway, I'll stick it out and get what I need to do done. I like my coworkers a lot as people, but as coworkers in this particular industry I'm not so sure. I look forward to working somewhere where people have lives outwith the company.

On the good news front, S-Pulse qualified for the cup final last week - today was the first day of ticket sales, members only, and 30 000 have been sold. Not bad, we are going to homejack the national stadium! Looking forward to it in a big way..... look out Tokyo, Shimizu is coming!!!

Updating!

2008-08-30T08:40:00.002+09:00

Ah, I am such a naughty girl. For all my good intentions to update after Hawaii I was too busy relaxing and having fun to get around to it, and then this first week of work has nearly killed me! The real world takes some getting used to.

I had a fabulous summer holidays, am thoroughly skint and am looking forward to September's salary (August's went straight to the credit card, damage control!). It has even been great being back at work this week, at least, the lesson segment of it. Monday was a mediocre day until my first kids' class announced that they had missed me and were glad to be back, which left me with a nice warm and fuzzy feeling. Various hilarious moments throughout the week, the highlight of which was the following, during a lesson on "How was your holiday?" with Junior High School kids, aged 12. I should clarify I told them to use imagination:

Shiori (best kid in class): How was your summer holiday?

Ryosuke: It was pretty good.

S: Where did you go?

R: I went to Australia.

S: Cool! What did you eat there?

R: Ehhhhh...... crocodile!

S: Really? How was it?

R: Like snake.

S: How was snake?

R: Like crocodile.

(I was laughing quite hard by this point.)

S: Oh. What did you do there?

R: I ride a kangaroo.

S: How was it?

R: Very fun.

S: In the pocket or like a horse?

R: Huh?

S: (mimes) pocket..... or ..... back?

R: Back! (said like Shiori is an idiot for asking such a silly question) Pocket very no good. Baby kangaroo sleeping.

All this was done with gestures and Ryosuke trying his best not to crack up. My laughter probably didn't help. He gets top marks for imagination that boy. Mind you, this is the same kid who, when was asked (in jest) why he was a monkey, replied all seriously in Japanese "Because of my ancestors and evolution. How do I say that in English?". The monkey jokes led to a whole other role play where the girls asked him if he went to the jungle for summer, did he see his family there, how were the gorillas etc. Have to hand it to him, he handles it well!

Other things... I have decided to quit my job! But not until March next year, and I will be staying in the same area, just want a job with a less interfering boss, more money and better hours. Just read that back and really, who doesn't? Thing is, it is a realistic dream and I am already on the hunt. As my current job also comes with housing I will be relocating and Hiro and I have decided to get a place together then. Quite exciting, should be able to get a nice house, biggish if we don't mind old (we don't) and the possibility of getting a dog has been raised (admittedly by me, but persuasion wasn't difficult):

Me: I want a dog.

Hiro: What kind of dog?

Me: A Labrador.

Hiro: Too big. I think a beagle is a good dog.

Me: Ok!

Exactly like that, but in Japanese. Of course, it depends on the job I get and hours and stuff, and I still have to dissuade him from the name Butch (over. my. dead. body.) but still! Woof woof!

Fun Stuff I bought me in Hawaii!

2008-08-13T10:18:00.002+09:00

Me so hot! Miso hot!

Sorry sushi, but you are so delicious!

Just pictures for now, more below... will write about Hawaii when I have become a normal time adjusted human being again.

Anthony's Wedding

2008-08-13T10:03:00.003+09:00

Waiting for his bride.

Signing the registry, sorry for my crap camera!

Leaving the church

Hawaii!!!

2008-08-13T08:53:00.008+09:00

Ancient stones where the royal family gave birth, as this place was perceived to be the exact centre of the earth.

bananas!

They really do grow in the ground... there is something so wrong about that....

Apparently this is a one person portion. WTF?

China town, for the opening of the Olympics!

Random American wearing kilt playing country music in China town. Not sure why.

No longer in my early twenties...

2008-08-02T10:19:00.006+09:00

Presents!

Pink gold earrings - from Hiro

Officially in my mid twenties! Turning 25 was the best birthday I have had for years and years. I spent the whole of this week alternately drunk or hungover or wiped out, and it was awesome. Need a rest now, good job I am off to Hawaii next week, will be able to recuperate on the beach with a good book and some sunblock.

We trooped off to Omiya, north of Tokyo to watch the wonderful Shimizu S-Pulse on Sunday, and just before the game started the skies opened and down tumbled the most torrential rain I have experienced in years. Within minutes, everyone was drenched through as were our bags, containing changes of clothes for that evening and the next day. The game was postponed for an hour and a half before finally getting underway at half seven. There was no stopping us from singing and dancing and when we were told over the loudspeaker system to go downstairs and shelter, the Ardija staff were bewildered by the thousands of S-pa fans jumping around and having fun, despite the running water dripping off us. Was such fun!

Soggy Shimizu Fans

Unfortunately, that left me with a sore throat and a cold for the rest of the night. I had only just managed to get back to the capsule hotel and get changed when midnight struck and my folks called to wish me a happy birthday - my friends and I hadn't even realised the time yet! Cue a night of drinks in Shinjuku with the boys and a few hours kip before a beer breakfast with two of my beloved Melbourne mates, one on his way out of Japan and one on a visit back as him and I share the same birthday. We spent the whole day telling everyone we were twins from different countries, confused a lot of people, let me tell you. Jim-san and I had a lovely birthday, progressing from the beer to burgers to ice-cream and generally being supremely unhealthy - well, if you can' t on your birthday, when can you? Finally got home to Shiz in the late afternoon and went for a short kip. Woke up, showered and poured ourselves a birthday scotch and were surprised when we felt drunk shortly after... then realised we had eaten nothing but one burger and ice-cream all day. No wonder we were tipsy.

Had a great night in a cute bar in Shizuoka, we had a table in a loft area sitting on the floor around it, we couldn't even stand up properly in the area. The group we were out with was pretty awesome and everyone got along, drinking and chatting and most importantly, giving me presents! :D Moved on to drunken karaoke where we all spent too much money, sung too much and drank more than our bodies could handle. Ken passed out on the floor. It was the most fun I've had in yonks.

Me singing, managing to look cute despite all the booze!

Hiro and Ken

Barry insisted he was sober

Ken clearly wasn't.

Jim-San, birthday partner!

Tuesday was an interesting day. Walking proved difficult at the best of times but I managed to persevere with it and get through my whole 3 hours of work in the afternoon. Jim and I have both suddenly realised that although we can still go drinking and partying, we cannot do it to excess so often, one big night out is enough in a week. What happened to being able to party non-stop for 5 nights on the trot? There is no justice! I'm still impressed that Hiro got up for work at 6.30 after two hours sleep and managed to do physical labour all day. Funniest moment ever - the alarm went off, he shot out of bed and ran down the stairs panicking, then promptly ran back up them as he had forgot to put his trousers on!

Wednesday saw meeting of more friends and birthday dinner with a bottle of whisky as a present and some cake. Fun but tiring.

Thursday morning I woke up early and went to the driving centre, where I passed the final part of my driving test! Woooot! All I have to do now is rock up to driving school one day in the holidays, prove I can do CPR and call for emergency services in Japanese and I am fully licensed. I am so glad to see the back of the driving centre, Japan can be such a ridiculously anal country sometimes. Thursday night was Jim's last night and Barry's big bro has been visiting too, so we went for a few before crashing out on Barry's floor around 3 a.m. Got up at 5.30, Jim caught the morning bullet train to Tokyo and I took the local train home. A few hours kip and back at work.

Came home on Friday night and more or less passed out, exhausted.

Today is Saturday, and tonight I am dancing in the street - will update on that soon! Now its time to clean the house and do laundry, so I can start packing tomorrow for the holiday (and wedding) of the year!
--

Home Time

Kotoe and Takahiro's wedding!

2008-07-13T20:28:00.004+09:00

Pics from Koto-chan's kekkonshiki!

Groom's entrance

Bride's entrance

Swapping rings

Showing off their new jewellery!

Best man's speech

The Groom and his friends - nice outfits boys!

Jo Megumi and Mayuko, second party

Ken and Mayuko, 2nd party

Kim and I!

Anthony's Stag Night

2008-06-19T17:25:00.003+09:00

Woohoo! So Saturday night was Anthony's official Bachelor Party and although we had seriously considered going into Tokyo for it, we agreed that seeing as Hawaii is costing so much money staying in Shizuoka was a better idea.

We went to one of the old places, Ernie Pyles, haven't been there in well over a year, maybe more. We got a good deal on the all-you-can-drink and went off dancing afterwards. Had we planned it better we would have realized the two decent places to go were having a reggae and a hip hop night alternately. We opted for hip-hop as the lesser of two evils. It was a pretty good night, after dancing we went to another izakaya and then headed home. Was light when Ant, Kim and I got out the cab in Shimizu.

Sunday was one of those hang out days where everyone was hungover and unable to do anything. I've had a sore back twinging now and again for a while and I didn't think much of it but by Monday was really struggling to walk and was in real pain by Monday evening. Tuesday was even worse and I went to the doc. Turns out that my hip bone and my back bone have shifted a little probably because of when I was using crutches. The result of that is that this is day three of lying on my spare futon in the living room doing nothing but make worksheets for school on my laptop and watch DVDs. Lazy girl!

School Festival

2008-06-04T21:03:00.005+09:00

Only pics - too busy (tired!) for any more...

Group shot

Hiro with Suzy's baby Lina

Keita and Corey playing guitar (after all the kids left)

me and Joy (who was my student at Nova too!)

Ken, King of the Monkey Teachers

Making mochi (rice cakey things)

Limbo!!

Corey limbo-ed the lowest. He got the t-shirt as a prize!

Hiro after a practice face paint in the house

Me and Ken on the day

Hiro painting Momoka

I drew something on her hand, can't see it or remember, probably a rainbow.

Pokemon legs!

New House Pics

2008-05-04T09:01:00.006+09:00

Kitchen

Hall and stairs

view from balcony

Bedroom

Below: All my clothes are hidden behind the shoji doors, its like my own walk in wardrobe!

Ha! New she types, but I've been here for two months now.... and wondering where that time went! Finally took some pics to put up here, been moving furniture around for weeks and currently have a sofa I inherited from a friend living in a cupboard if anyone wants it! Decided minimalist and Japanesey is better for now.

Living Room

I made those curtains!

Not much to report, living life in much the usual way, going to the footie and boozing with my mates. Just had a week off which was pretty glorious, but alas back to work tomorrow. Tomorrow and Tuesday are national holidays, and as luck would have it, Hiro has those days off. I'm off today, and he's working. There was vague plan to go to Fuji Kyu Highlands, the nearby theme park which boasts the world's highest rollercoaster, but having no days off together except from yesterday, it is clearly not going to happen for a while. Oh well. Went to the footie yesterday and got sunburnt, no-one else did, not even the other white foreigners. Stupid Scottish skin. What's worse is that I looked out the sun cream in the morning and considered it, but Hiro said it wasn't going to be so hot, and I believed him. Must remember that I am the most sensitive to it and not listen to other people's opinions. I know I should know this about myself by now, but its much more fun to blame Hiro than take responsibility for my own actions. Anthony is suggesting I get a shower like those ones you get in spray on tanning salons but with the opposite objective. Not a bad idea, my friend.

I would tell you about the football, but Baz and I have a new blog all about the 'Pulse : see here.
Technically it is Barry's blog but I've joined in. We feel its time the world knew all about the Mighty Pulse!

Settling in and getting well...

2008-04-07T22:38:00.003+09:00

Finally after four weeks of surviving without it, I have the internet again. I would say that I had realised how much I don't need such things, except that it would be a blatent lie. I was going to work early every day to check my email and couldn't really talk to anyone at home for lack of Skype and MSN. Such is life.

Moving house went relatively well and its all coming together. There are still some things I want to buy or do in the house but not so many and for the most part its very cute and organised. I haven't taken pics yet but I will soon and I promise I will put them up online as soon as I do.

I was sick for a while before I moved house and it took about three weeks to get over it, but I have successfully managed to do so now. I'm totally off the crutches and my foot is hurting much less, so basically everything is looking up and becoming shiny again. Its been cherry blossom season here too, so there have been a few nights out in the park sitting under the flowers having a a drink or two... or ten! Unfortunately doing so last Tuesday night left me stuffed with hayfever all day Wednesday, which in turn stilted my best singing/shouting voice for the big match on Wed night. Ah, its nice to be off the crutches, I have properly got my life back! Even went out drinking on Saturday night and cycled home - something I've been scared to do in case I fell and made my foot worse.

Right, its late so I am off to bed, promise house pics soon! For now I will leave you with my baby class, a sibling and the cherry blossom tree at school!

Friends

2008-02-18T09:26:00.004+09:00

Mr Ogston's little sis Greer has been crashing with us for a few days. It is much fun having another Scot around, especially when she brings with her a mate who has been very clearly educated on all the ways we are different to the English. (So it's not just me who does these things....)

Spent the whole weekend bumming around. I took the ladies into Shizuoka on Sat, met Ant had food and shopped a little (my favourite shop had an accessory sale, so got hairbands and jewellery). Had lengthy chat with the girl in the shop about where we were all from - think she was a bit surprised when I started talking to her at first, but once I explained I live in Japan she understood we weren't just tourists. Yesterday Hiro and Mags and my work colleagues went snowboarding. Greer Karla and I sat around the house eating crap, making tablet and watching movies. When the guys came back we were in the exact positions they had left us in. Still, it's nice to be lazy sometimes!

Birthdays, Cakes, Cookies, Cleaning!

2008-02-15T10:50:00.005+09:00

God, it has been one supremely manic week in the world of Fuz. Hiro had his birthday party here on Sunday which basically meant that I spent all of Friday morning whipping up a cheesecake (first time ever, general consensus was that it was awesome and Hiro has already placed next year's request.) Saturday a.m I reluctantly taught Rebecca's class for her - her kind-of-boyfriend was in town from Osaka and she couldn't find anyone to work for her on Saturday as we all had plans or were sick! It was a fun lesson though, and it made life easier for her as she could come in at half one instead of ten. Came home and manically made another five cakes - an orange cake covered in choc, a supreme chocolate M&M cake (the M&M's and the frosting were my own idea!) a sponge cake and a couple of chocolate bar cakes with butter icing. Fuz, Queen of Baking, that's me!

Miki wants to be a tree!

Hiro's party was a good laugh on Sunday, full on BBQ and lots of people, we were out in the garden until about 5 when it started to get chilly as the sun went down and then we moved into the house. It was Kate's birthday party too so we had a big mix of Japanese and foreigners. I believe the last people who weren't staying left about 3 am - I had crashed out long before. It's hard maintaining your mobility on crutches after a few drinkies! On that note, I actually went flying in Shizuoka on Sat night with some friends and old Nova students, but that wasn't drink related - it was on the way to the bar and my crutches slipped on the street tiles because of the rain - have a lovely set of bruises though!

Note the all imporant party ingredient: Booze!

Although, booze + hammock = people on ground.

Tuesday night I came home from work and finalized the after-party cleaning and then ran around like a mad woman making cookies. The deal in Japan is that girls give boys chocolate on valentine's day and then the men reciprocate on March 14th, known as white day. Its a pile of marketing crap if there ever was one, but that's how it works. All the poor women this country have an obligation to buy choc even for their bosses and co-workers, but will only receive from a partner on white day. Why don't the men have to buy for their co-workers on White Day? Grrr. Anyways, I got my cookies made and hidden out of sight before Hiro came over, and had enough over to give them out to my toddlers on Wednesday morning. Wednesday night came home, cooked some jumbo stuffed mushrooms, chicken breasts in cream brandy and whitewine peppercorn sauce and mashed potatoes for Hiro's birthday dinner. Yummy yum yum.

Some of my awesome cookies.

Despite girls not actually getting anything on Valentine's day, I did! Heh heh heh. Came home from work last night to these:

Bless him. Although note to all, the phrase "you really shouldn't have" doesn't translate well and could leave people thinking you aren't grateful - had to be quick in explaining that one before I caused offence!

Recent stuff

2008-01-28T22:46:00.000+09:00

Being a numpty I broke my foot last week. There I was, tanking Barry and Anthony at bowling and celebrating consecutive strikes when I tumbled over. Didn't think much of it, played another two games (badly, being injured) and hobbled home from the train station afterwards. Hiro came over shortly afterwards and insisted on a hospital trip - nice clean snap. So now I am cheerfully hobbling around on crutches, having got used to them over the last week. Mostly its just incredibly inconvenient, there are all sorts of things I can't do currently, like drive or go to the supermarket. I need help to push a trolley / carry stuff. Getting better though, and the cast is only half on my leg. One of my students is a bone setter so he is looking after me. I took a lovely pic of my foot on my visit to him last week, its so very attractive!

Had a wee Burns night bash on Saturday, was lots of fun, made chocolate cake and marmalade cake which went down very nicely. We had mince with carrots and onion and mashed tatties to support the taste of haggis everyone got from the tins I brought back with me after Xmas. Maybe not the best in the world but even my cynical friends seemed to enjoy it. Lots of whisky and general boozing later we were all hammered, and then I got the pleasure of laughing at them all trying to read Burns. Mwah ha ha ha! A good night all round and raging hangovers the next day... but it was worth it, and nothing that some kip and a few beers didn't cure. Hiro, his mate and I spent all of last night slobbed in front of the tv watching old movies. Perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday evening, especially when you can't walk!

Pics of Adam

2008-01-09T07:20:00.000+09:00

pics from my trip home - friends

2008-01-09T06:52:00.000+09:00

Myself and Miss Lewty

Scott and Elaine

Oggy, in his classic gear.

Cheesy & Kinnon

Pub in the west end

Cheesy, modelling his t-shirt

Pic of the Maggie van, to honour my roomie!

Me and Gordon

Karen and I

Alan et moi

Omar and Karen

Christmas Day

2008-01-02T21:03:00.000+09:00

Christmas day this year was a peaceful fun day, mostly due to my nephew Adam, who was entertaining to say the least. He got a "motorbike" from my parents, and alternated the day between that, playing with other toys and eating. Spyro the dragon on PS made him very happy, as did our pooch Max (although Max wasn't a present, and isn't technically a toy!)

Merry Christmas to One and All

2007-12-25T05:11:00.000+09:00

Well, its been a big year for me with a lot of changes, but I am in Scotland for Christmas and looking forward to 2008 and new beginnings. 07 is ending well for me with lots of prospects for the next year, its looking good!

Anyway, wishing you all a joyous time this festive season, and leaving you with the custom-made card from my students!

ぼんえんかいしゃしん！ end of year party pics!

2007-12-16T09:50:00.000+09:00

The OEK Girlies

The OEK team (thats the girlies plus Mark)

Puckering up.. who could resist Rebecca?

Last night was the end of year party for work... so we all went out and got bevvied! Hiro, Patrick and Taka came too just for the fun of it... below, some self taken pics of drunk people!

Another one bites the dust...

2007-12-11T21:31:00.000+09:00

Adam is leaving us.... albeit only for a short time and he'll be back in the spring, but we'll miss him!

Sunday night was his leaving party, and damn good it was too, if yesterday's hangover was anything to go by. I must make it my priority to remember that I don't do tequila. Unfortunately, it always seems to be produced just as I reach the level of tipsyness where I think tequila is a good idea. It's all Sakura's fault anyway, the meanie!

They're called baubles, dammit.....

2007-12-11T21:11:00.000+09:00

nSaturday night we decorated our lovely tree, as you can see above. Feeling that putting up the tree was more than a one-woman job, I invited some friends over to help create that Christmas feeling. Pizza was ordered, beer was bought, and cookies were made. Anthony tested our Japanese friends on their festive knowledge and we all decorated the tree, explaining various things as we went along.

Cue fight. Momo innocently asked what the baubles were, to which Barry and I answered, naturally that they are baubles. Anthony and Maggie, being weird Americans, insisted they were ornaments. Baz and I are of the opinion that all of the tree decorations, if they were in a group, could possibly be classed as ornaments, but that baubles are baubles, just like bows are bows and drums are drums. An ornament is something usually found on a mantelpiece or next to the telly. Yup, such cultured creatures we are, me and Barry-chan.

Urawa Reds vs the Mighty Shimizu S-Pulse, Japan BDO #2!

2007-11-19T11:20:00.001+09:00

S-Pulse fans on tour! Barry, Momo, Fuz and Pal-Chan!

We had a great time! Got up at 5 am (or thereabouts, I fell back asleep so we got the 6.45 train instead of the 6.12 one) and were in Urawa by 11 with three hours to spare till kick off. Snoozed on the three local trains there, entertained people on the last one by playing with the Pal-Chan puppet and were well up for it when we got to the last station. Barry's happiness was then heightened considerably when he found a kebab vendor! Gotta love the footie for junk food, eh?

Urawa have an awesome stadium, it was built for the world cup in 2002 and hosted one of the semi finals. Its not actually their stadium though, its the governments. We were really amused by the escalators we rode to the top deck and by the signs in the loo indicating if it was western or Japanese style. They sure know how to cater for foriegners here!

Prior to yesterday I didn't even own an S-pulse shirt, but Barry bought me one as an "early Christmas present" which he gave me when I met him. Was awesome, cos then we really stood out in our orange. Stick out enough as foreigners here, but in the away shirt we were like a pair of orange beacons. We even got photographed by some journalist for his website covering the game!

There was a lovely beer garden just outside the stadium, a live band was providing music and to be honest it was more like a carnival than a footie game. We got stuck into the beers and grub and chatted with the locals - bless the old lady in her wheelchair who said, "aww its great you came this far, but we are still going to beat you!". Other Urawa fans came to share our table and doled all their food out with us like a wee picnic. I can't imagine the away fans being welcomed to nicely at home! Of course, people are always taken that a couple of foreigners are at the games, especially when its a four / five hour journey from home but it was nice to be so welcomed.

Barry had bought us tickets in the away end but it was full off Urawa fans too, it seems it was in the mixed area. Not that it stopped us! We sang and shouted and probably thoroughly pissed off the Urawa support but thats what they get for sitting in the away end. The majority of the S-Pulse fanse were below us and behind the goals, but we still could hear them over all the Urawa support - we were not going to be silenced for anyone.

Considering Urawa are going to win the league and won the Asian Champions League mid-week they were a pretty weak time. The pressure was on in the first 10 mins then died down, and we ended in a 0-0 draw. Which would have been a good result but the team above us won so its now nearly impossible for us to finish 3rd and get a place in Asia next year. Oh well, we'll do it for 2009!

After the game Momo went to her sisters who lives in Saitama, and Barry and I caught the bullet train home. We had had enough of local train transport that morning and wanted the comfortable route home. A quick detour in Harajuku to the shops and another kebab (well, it was a Big Day Out) and we were home by 9.

Bring on next season, we're going to go to as many away games as possible, and have BWO's - Big Weekend's Out - footie one afternoon and some tourism on the other day!

Parties and BBQs...

2007-11-13T08:17:00.000+09:00

Tom, Aya and John... birthday Girl and bicycle boys.

Hiro and me

Maggie and Issei

People who had enough energy to go hill climbing.

Ok, before I go any further I will say that after last week's furious drivel and ranting, the Boss came in yesterday and apologized and made peace. All is good with the world.

Had a great weekend this weekend though. It was our friend Aya's birthday on Saturday night and as such we all traipsed off to the all-you-can-drink party. "We all" being myself and Maggie, our friend Sakura, Sakura's boyfriend and his friend Issei, our friend Hiro, who is the only other person who actually knew Aya, and some guys who are currently couch surfing with us. (Maggie signed up for couch surfing; this is the second time people have been staying with us, and these two guys are from England and currently touring the world on their bicycles. They only meant to stay on Saturday but they are enjoying the party so much they are still here and are keeping me and Mags well supplied with beer, we figure its a fair deal.)

.View from the top of the hill.

Anji, world's coolest 8 year old.

So after the first all you can drink we promptly headed off to another bar to do another one, and then staggered home in a couple of taxis, where we all sat around playing Nintendo wii, drinking some more, and then a wee bit more again. What fun! After a few hours bleary sleep Sakura was up (point: Sakura got up from my bed, cos that's where she fell asleep. I got relegated to a futon on the dining room floor. Hmm.) rousing everyone to go and BBQ it up at her friend's allotment/farm thing. That was great, we met the guy and went for food then drove out there, ate, played frisbee, some of us climbed a hill to look at the view where they are building a new highway (one of the Japanese people there is helping to build it), had a good laugh when the Japanese were talking about two people on bikes holding up the traffic on Saturday afternoon, who then introduced themselves. Came back here, party continued. People gradually went off to bed (or in the case of Kenta and Issei, back to Nagoya) and then Monday morning was spent eating omelettes and watching Billy Connolly on YouTube. I went off to work to return at dinner time to find them all in the same position, having ordered pizza and starting to contemplate making mexican food. By the time I came home from work last night, mexican food was in full swing, Kenta was back from Nagoya and at Sakura's house (Nagoya is an hour away by bullet train, just about) and Hiro was back here, being the only other person who had had to work. Madness and Mayhem indeed.

Kana, Anji's wee sister and my new best friend... my arms were killing me yesterday after spending hours playing with her!

Issei and Kenta are secret lovers, just don't tell Sakura!

Was bloody great though, and the perfect antidote to the stressful situation at work. Roll on next weekend and Japan Big Day Out Number 2 as Barry and I meander off to Saitama to watch the mighty S-Pulse fight the giants that are Urawa Reds...

Oh, and Happy Birthday to my dear Daddy on Wednesday!

2007-11-08T11:50:00.000+09:00

I am really happy I came back to Japan. I love teaching, and I love my lifestyle. There are however, a few things that I am unhappy about. Well, one. She's called The Boss.

The company I work for is small and environmentally friendly, and has a very warm, hippy like feel to it. It is not particularly professional but more laid back. Or at least, that is the vibe that it gives off. The Boss only comes into the country for about 3 months a year and the rest of the time the school is run by the teachers, the manager, and the head teacher with little input from The Boss.

I have only been here for a couple of months, two full months of work to be honest, as I arrived a week before the 3 week long summer vacation. The Boss has been here for about 6 weeks of that, and is doing my head in.

Her "vision" for the school is excellence, and teamwork and happy hippies and all that sort of stuff, which is fair enough, and its all "lets be friends" and la-di-da. Which is fine, but gradually you realise that there is an undertone of how she wants things to be done, which often contradicts the initial image.

When I came out here, I realised I would be living in and paying rent for part of the house I live in, which the school lets from another person. I didn't realise that I HAD to live here and that there was no scope for moving out. Now I'm here, I'm stuck here unless I change companies, or want to pay rent on two places...err... no. Don't get me wrong, its not bad, and living with Mags is great, but I want the option of getting a place on my own. I don't like being tied down or told what to do.

This is the situation because, according to The Boss, the school needs to have accommodation available for future teachers should they require it (fair enough) and because the school can't afford to pay the rent on the house themselves (also, fair enough). Yet I should have been made aware of this beforehand. Furthermore, the school actually uses part of the house for storage, and the shed that we have outside. Which means effectively we are paying rent for the school's benefit. The Boss treats the house like its part of the school, which it is in that we live here, but she seems to forget that we PAY to live here, and as such it should be separate from the school.

The Boss is all about communication - we don't communicate enough apparently and this leads to problems. In essence, I agree with her and she is right. However, apparently communication is making snide remarks and walking away or saying "whatever" when you try to justify/explain yourself. She sees it her way and there is no way of changing that. Bit of an issue really, cos I see it my way and don't find it easy to change that. I can compromise, but not when I am faced with a brick wall, or the back of her head as she walks away.

Then there's the "communication" whereby she moves something, tells no-one where it is and when we ask, says, "I thought you girls were intelligent enough to look for something by yourself". Right. So which is it? Communicate or waste time searching for the bloody coffee that my students drink?!

"You girls". I swear if I here this phrase one more time I am going to throw something solid at her head. It just so happens that our school has four teachers. One of them is male, has been there 12 years and is the head teacher. The rest of us have been here one year, ten months and three months respectively. We are "you girls". Clearly due to our youth and friendship we deserve to be condescended at every opportunity. Its even better when its said to someone else while I am within earshot as "those girls" and how she wonders what to do with us.

The Boss wants to keep our private and personal lives separate. I'm all for that. But she's the one who asks us about our free time and how it was, and then she judges us based on the information she gets. My colleague Rebecca happens to be bisexual, and is very comfortable with that. The Boss has managed to make the most inappropriate remark to Rebecca, which I won't repeat due to the offense it caused and would probably do again. It would have been borderline even as a joke from a friend but in seriousness from your company owner? Completely out of order. During the fun chat we had this morning I realised that The Boss has issues with me being a drinker. Now, I can drink, and I realize that, but as long as it is not affecting my work its really none of her business. Also, (with the exception of last weekend which was mental) I haven't even been going out as much as I used to lately. Either way, what I do in my personal time is of no concern to her.... but she feels she has a hold on our home through the school and as such on us. I don't know, if she wants things to be separate she has to lead by example - its like the whole communication thing all over again.

Hrm. So basically I am raging with the whole double standards. You can either have a professional money making company or a hippy commune. People can either stand around wasting time searching for things or you can tell them where you bloody well moved it to without sarky remarks (any normal person: "oh yeah, sorry, I put it over there" The Boss: "don't you have eyes?"). You can either be friends with your staff or their boss. You can either be interested in their private lives and ask about it or you can keep your big nose out. Asking for information and then using it against people in this manner is not on.

So the long and the short of it? I'm looking for a new job. Made The Boss aware that I wasn't happy with the current situation, and that may leave at the end of my contract. Have been advised that Feb, March or October would be better from a business perspective. The job hunt is on.

Its funny, people always asked me if I felt under appreciated at Nova, the big corporate giant with the shocking reputation, when actually I found the company as a whole to be very supportive. Its the friendly hippy land that I find hard. My colleague are supportive, but I can't live and work in this land of double standards, where one thing is said and another thing is expected.

All this ranting, and I still have to go to the staff meeting today.... oh joy....

Orange and other things...

2007-10-29T08:35:00.000+09:00

It was a weekend for the tangerine dream, fortunate and otherwise.

On Saturday Barry and I trooped off to Nihondaira Stadium to watch S-Pulse despite the bucketing rain. There were 18,000 tickets sold although 2,000 people bailed due to the lovely weather, it having poured torrentially all day Friday and all day Saturday. Barry got there nice and early, around five, to grab us nice seats near all the nutters who sing dance and shout like we do (there is no seat allocation here). I rocked up around six, having had plans during the day, donned my new orange S-Pulse raincoat and prepared to get drenched.

Like a sign from the Gods, the rain stopped just before kick off, leaving only the full moon in sight with the odd dark cloud blowing across it. The atmosphere was intense, as Gamba Osaka are second in the league and S-Pulse fourth. An S-Pulse win meant the end of their league challenge, and if we can finish in 3rd place, we get a go at the Asian champions league. Bring it on! I have never seen S-Pulse play with so much fight before, and we were soon 1-0 up. (Yajima) We held our postion thoughout the first half and although Osaka evidently got their arses kicked by management at half time, we continued in the same vein, pummelling away another two (Fernandinho and Jae-Jin, and no, they are not Japanese). We were denied 3 good penalty claims, no kidding, don't know what kind of funny substance the ref was on (probably gets his salary from Osaka HQ) before Osaka sneaked a goal in the last few minutes. You know its good when their fans' celebration is half-hearted.

At the end of the match, while we were watching our celebration fireworks and singing in the victory song as the players did their lap of honour and the guys beside us were doing a form of the bouncy banging on their drums, some random bloke wanted to take a pic of me and Baz and our flag - not many foreigners go, let alone sit with all the die hards and take a flag along!

So, J-league was good. And Scotland? Another team in orange beat a team in blue... but this time the team in blue was mine so least said about that the better... how can we hold Barcelona to a draw mid-week and then lose to Dundee Utd? Makes the mind boggle...

And other than footie? I spent Saturday afternoon with some kids I used to teach and their parents. Nova actually finally declared bankruptcy last week, leaving their staff high and dry and waiting for their salarys. Thank god I came back to OEK instead! My new school is too far away for my old students to travel to, but I am working on negotiating a private lesson with them in school hours - I can always drive out to theirs. Fingers crossed that works out, they were awesome kids and it would be great to teach them again.

Other than that not a lot, got a hair cut, lightened it a wee bit (its been brown recently, its now a bit blonder, but not much). Should really get cracking on studying this week, test is soon and have done nothing since I got back to Japan. Bad Fuz.

Oh yeah, and foolishly decided to see how long it would take to walk from Shizuoka to Shimizu. The answer? Over two hours and now have extremely blistered painful feet. Ouch.

Glasgow Rangers...

2007-10-21T09:42:00.000+09:00

Its been some week for football here in Shimizu. First off the bat was on Tuesday night when Barry found a Rangers poster in a CD shop randomly. It just so happened I was on my way into Shizuoka at the time so I just popped by and bought me it. Its currently adorning the wall above my window. I would add a pic but stupid blogger is being funny about that right now so maybe another time.

Last night I went out with some students for a party as one of them recently quit due to the imminent arrival of a wee one, and was happily drinking and chatting away when Barry mailed me to let me know the mighty S-Pulse had beat Yokohama 2-0. Yeah! Massive football conversation ensued, as they were all surprised that a foreigner follows a Japanese team and even goes to away games. In the midst of this and explaining about the Old Firm, I get the first of several emails letting me know that the Great and Glorious Glasgow Rangers beat Celtic 3-0. Hahahahahahahahaha. Students had just been asking me about Nakamura too. (Japanese guy in the Celtic team) Usually I hate it because its all, "well, you love Japan so why don't you change teams and support Celtic" and I'm like "errrrm. It doesn't really work like that.... Once a bluenose, always a bluenose" - but last night I had the upper hand, his wee team just got gubbed!

Then I went on to a another bar with friends, proceeded to get wasted, and stagger home I'm not sure when. But I woke up this morning to the news that England lost the rugby, which just topped it all off nicely for me... they are unbearable when they win things. What a great weekend for sport!!!

Bad weekend, good weekend

2007-09-24T10:34:00.000+09:00

The weekend started well. Despite being frazzled I was running around getting ready for a dinner party on Saturday night which went well but was costly as I had to buy new plates and bowls to accommodate all my guests.

Everything started to go sour when I returned my colleague's car, which I had borrowed to pick people up in, and bumped his neighbour's car. It was dark and I couldn't see. I left, not knowing who the car belonged to and not having the Japanese skills to find out with the intention of having the Japanese staff at work help me explain the situation on Monday. I guess this was where I started to be stupid, I should have stayed there, but I panicked and wasn't thinking properly.

After a sleepless night Barry and I went to Tokyo to watch S-Pulse play FC Tokyo, but at half time, when we were 2-0 down ( and one of them was an own goal) my phone rang - the police had already been on to the Japanese staff about the bump. I explained the situation and I think the police might be ok about it, but I feel really stupid. On top of it all, my colleague was on holiday visiting folks back in Oz, so now he is coming back to this disastrous situation. I have to try and sort it all out today. I don't know why I did such a stupid thing. I know need to do a lot of apologizing and I guess visiting people and buying apology gifts.

We lost the footie.

After a brief wander in Tokyo and getting a little lost, I got back to Shimizu, and found my bike was not where I left it - I have to get the registration details from Anthony (it used to be his bike) and ask if the bike police took it, if not, someone has pinched it. That iced the cake nicely.

Crap weekend. Came home super upset, thankfully have a great roommate who calmed me down and explained everyone does stupid things from time to time. This morning I feel really bad about it all again, its like being 14 when you f**k up and you know you f**ked up and you don't know what to do to make it right.

On the plus side, the Scottish footie was good - Rangers are top of the league after drubbing Aberdeen 3-0 and Celtic lost to Hibs, so at least there is something to smile about.

update: just been to see the guy whose car I hit - he is ok as long as the insurance pays for it, which they will.
the owner of the car thinks I am silly for worrying about it.

I guess it wasn't so bad after all!

Typhoons

2007-09-06T18:40:00.001+09:00

Typhoon Typhoon Typhoon!

Gotta love the Typhoons. The wind is hurling around outside, the flimsy wooden doors are rattling and.... well thats it, really. I would love to say the rain is pelting down, but it isn't, at least not at the moment. More than drizzle but hardly pouring. I should know; anyone who grows up in the West of Scotland is a qualified rain connoisseur by the age of 4. The difference between Japan and Scotland is that due to lack of earthquakes and perpetual crap weather, we have solid houses in Scotland, whereas in Japan where it is hot and buildings tend to fall down, buildings are weak, and make the storm sound worse than it actually is.

I'm on the end of my dinner break, eating ramen and footering about online because I am all alone... everyone else has gone home on account of them having no more lessons and thus no reason to be here in such bad weather. Technically I could do the same, all of my evening students have cancelled but we were starting a new class tonight and someone may show up who hasn't registered, so I am hanging around until just after the official lesson start time, and then, if no-one comes, I am offski.

In the meantime, I guess I should get on with planning our Hallowe'en party - and more importantly, my costume!

Climbing Mount Fuji: Round Two.

2007-08-27T09:55:00.000+09:00

Some of you may remember the first time I climbed Mount Fuji. This time started off looking like it was going to be a repeat experience. The rain was bucketing down torrentially when we met up to catch the the train to Fuji. We decided to go for it anyway as Barry was in such high spirits I couldn't cancel on him, and it turned out to be the right decision as when we finally got to the starting point (two trains and a very expensive taxi later) the rain was off and it was a pretty clear climb.

I didn't fare too well with the alititude this time though, and our progress was fairly slow as a result. Just as we approached the last station I was ready to give up, but Omar pushed and persuaded me to the last station. There I realised I couldn't go any further and Omar went on ahead with Barry to the summit. I fell asleep and woke up ten minutes later extremely ill, so not going on was the right decision. We were climbing at night to try and see the sunrise from the top, but we didn't make it there in time. However, the sunrise was pretty awesome and Barry assures me the view I got from the 9th was just as good as that from the very top. Only thing is, I didn't see the crater or get to go to the Post Office!

The descent was even harder than the ascent, and Omar and I (he came down before Barry) foolishly took a "short cut" which ended up taking longer and resulting in me falling down part of the mountain, although I am ok for the most part. A few nice deep scrapes in my stomach and arms which was lucky considering I could have broken something!

We met up with Barry again shortly after that and were heading towards what we thought was the 6th station, but when we got there we realised it was only the 7th. I think its fair to say we were all totally crushed with the realisation we were further away than we thought.

Since climbing, Barry has done some research and the advice given is to have a long rest at the 8th station before tackling the last part. In hindsight, we should have done the research before, but never mind. It was a laugh, even if I can't walk properly now (neither can Barry) but I sure as hell won't be doing it again!

Sado-ga-shima and Tokyo

2007-08-22T08:42:00.000+09:00

Got back last night from a few days gallivanting with Omar. We went up to Sado Island for the Earth Celebration, which was pretty cool. Lots of hippies dancing on the grass in their bare feet, lots of beer, organised recycling, music and market stalls. We went to the Friday night concert and Kodo were pretty awesome. Cameras weren't allowed though, so have no pics, but check out their website anyway, gives you a pretty good idea of what Sado (their home ground) is like.

We took a trip out to a remote fishing village called Shukunegi while we were there, ate the biggest cup of shaved ice I have ever seen, never mind had, in Japan and checked out the remote back streets. Shukunegi was cool, it was like an insight into how Japan used to be before it became concrete and neon. Sado is remote and there is a lot of countryside, it was kind of like a Japanese Skye in many ways. We were camping on a beach ground only 15 mins away from the port town where all the festivities were being held. Fun though it was, thats the last time I pitch a tent on a beach, there was sand everywhere regardless of how careful we were or how many times we cleaned the tent out. Don't think Omar was a fan of the freezing cold showers the site had either! Woke up early every morning as the sun rose and started to bake us in the tent and got a bit of ocean swimming in, so it wasn't all bad. About 5am on Monday morning the wind was so strong I thought our tent might take off with us in it, it was like being in the middle of a gale... although just two hours later the sun was up and burning through the canvas once again!

I dont know what this is. Emi said it might be a festival for the fishermen's safety, but with sexual connotations.

We spent Monday night in Tokyo - I don't think we have ever been so happy to see a hotel bed before! Best nights sleep I have had in a long time. I was dragged around Akihabara for most of Tuesday looking for games and electronics for Omar before we made it into Harajuku for a bit of shopping - and I actually found clothes that fit me, for the first time in Japan, I bought two skirts! Highlight of the holiday! Well, maybe not the highlight but it was certainly an exciting moment, usually I have absolutely no chance. Very exciting.

Back in Shiz now, with my biggest bruise ever, but have no idea how it happened! My mum gets all these inexplicable bruises, guess I am destined to take after her...

Weddings, Sunburn and Footie!

2007-08-12T08:55:00.000+09:00

Haven't updated for a wee while, naughty me! Finally feel as though I am beginning to get back to normal after weeks of running around playing catch up. Last weekend I went to David and Nami's wedding, which was lovely. There were lots of costume changes, as is normal in Japan, and speeches and partying. The ceremony and reception were in the morning/afternoon and then we all went home to get changed before the younger follks meeting up again for a night of partying with other friends who couldn't go to the ceremony. Sorry for the crap photos, there were so many people trying to do the same thing it was really hard to get a decent shot

Had the last week off work, which has entailed having a lot of fun and general bumming around. I went for a mighty 3 hour bike ride with Anthony on Friday and stupidly forgot to wear sun screen, with the result that I look like a lobster and cant bend my arms or legs from the pain. Doh! Must remember Japanese sun is very very strong. Still, has caused some fun with the locals, they don't get burnt like white people do so have had some random conversations in bars and even in the chemist trying to buy cream for it.

Yesterday I went to watch my first Shimizu S Pulse game. Its not Ibrox but it was entertaining! All the songs and chants have choreographed hand actions and dancing, which was good fun. We drew 2-2 but we really should have won, we were all over them but somehow it wasn't to be. S-Pulse have the funnest mascot, PAL-chan. God only knows what he is, but he had dances for each of the sponsors and before the game performed a whole routine with his family (Mrs and baby Pal-chan) to Thriller, which was so funny. Just like everything else here, even football has to be "cute".

Our House

2007-07-30T10:17:00.001+09:00

Maggie and I have this ENORMOUS house now. Our old apartment was tiny, and this house is pretty big, so I guess we lucked out. Even though Genevieve (who I replaced) is crashing out in the dining room over the next few weeks between her travels, its still massive. I have spent the last week changing my room to my liking and its beginning to get there. I managed to inherit a new cd player, which is always nice and have lashings of storage space. 'Tis truly awesome.

The left side of my room

The middle of my room
The right side of my room

Living room

Living room again

Birthday Fireworks and Thunder

2007-07-30T09:36:00.000+09:00

Sunset before the Fireworks

So I had yet another Japan birthday on Saturday. More low key than in previous years but a big night all the same. I went out with Maggie during the day then headed to a fireworks display that night. The fireworks were mediocre compared to the astounding display I saw on Wednesday; yet I had heard this was the bigger display. The only way it was bigger was by the sheer volume of people there, and that was probably only due to it being Saturday night and most people being free. After the show we headed to a bar or two before progressing to karaoke (of course).

Got a great haul of pressies, including:

A pair of musical note earrings

Several pairs of funny Nintendo related earrings

A music broach, complete with flashing lights.

A Hello Kitty bath mat

A Totoro light cord extension

A flute mobile phone accessory

Lots of lovely tea

A July Mug

A stuffed pig

A hiragana stamp set for writing Japanese the easy way!

An elephant/ball toy

and some lovely Plum wine

There is currently a debate about whether to name the Pig "piggy-san" or "spider-pig" (see The Simpsons movie for SpiderPig reference if need be, or watch the SpiderPig trailer on You Tube).

All in an awesome night. We all got up at nine am the next day following a 4.30 am bed time, as our school is participating in a festival next week which the students and my esteemed colleagues are dancing in. Alas I am not as I am attending a full-on Japanese style wedding, but watching them practise was pretty entertaining. I am paying for laughing at them all now though, as despite all the sun cream I had on, I am still lobster red. I guess that is karma for you!

Was woken up this morning to see a fabulous thunder storm raging on, and it still is. According to the weather reports we are in for a meaty week of rain. Oh well, just like Glasgow then!

Work and settling

2007-07-24T10:08:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I had my first day of teaching at the new place on my own. So far, so good. The kids were nice and even the "bad" kid wasn't that bad. Given a few months with me, he's going to be a good kid, I think. The only screw-up so far is that nobody told me I was supposed to make the adult students tea and coffee when they come in, so the manager did it for me on the first lesson. Still, not the end of the world and I know to do it now so I guess that's ok.

Pretty chilled out though, the girl I am replacing has gone to Taiwan for a holiday and her stuff is packed up high in our dining room until she gets back, but it is nice just living with Maggie again. I am still trying to get my bearings on our local area; my sense of direction is crap and I get lost easily. I was considering going to one of the big outlet department store type things this morning but realised I have no idea how to get there. If I got lost time-wise in the car it would be ok for getting back, but perhaps I shouldn't risk it. Tricky. I think I'll get someone to show me the route the first time before I go gallivanting on my own.

Speaking of the car, I went to the beach with Maggie on Sunday. She drove us out there and I chilled watching her surf and counting how many times all the different people fell off their boards. Highly entertaining! I drove back though, which was cool, although everyone seems to be way over the speed limit here and I am always being careful to stick to it closely. Automatic cars are a doddle. We have a cute wee black boxy car, which I will take a picture of and put here when I find the time to do so.

I have even more mozzie bites I think the little gits must have been missing me. Oh well, I'll survive and I have some wonderful, extremely stinky cream which takes out the itch pretty quick.

Right, off to the 100 yen shop.... I have too many clothes for my hangers, so need to buy more!

Back In The Shiz!

2007-07-21T08:26:00.000+09:00

I am back in Japan and it is awesome. AWESOME. Man, I'm so sure I made the right decision. Being home was great, fab to see people and stuff, but I think my heart is here. Got here on Wednesday and being the hardcore person I am, went to the pub pretty soon after I got here. The way I see it, if you can go 30 hours without sleep, you can go 32. Mind you, I met Barry and Anthony for one drink, had a few, left the bar, met Kate, went back for a few, came out and bumped into Maggie and was out for another 4 hours. I would have gone home, but Maggie tied my hands behind my back and force fed me booze. Honest.

Work seems good so far. Enjoying it and can't wait to be left on my own in the classroom. I will update more about work once I get properly stuck in.

Off to get me a new mobile today, so that will make a big difference.

Hope you are all well!

Leaving

2007-07-16T16:28:00.001+09:00

Well, what a week it has been. Boozy leaving do after boozy leaving do. Seeing masses of people, fighting, laughing, crying, packing, organising and generally panicking at how quickly the time has gone.

Now that I am actually going back to Japan, I realise that yeah, there are things I will miss in Scotland, and not just the pubs! While it will be great to get back and see people again I am leaving a lot of people here and that is sad. Its a shame I can't just move everybody to the same place, but then, if I did that, who would I visit?

Wednesday I went out with a handful of peeps unable to make the big party, and good god did I wind up with a hangover. Got home around four thirty, the sun splitting the trees and a large scratch on my neck which I think was entirely my fault for picking on Fraser, who pushed me away and caught me unfortunately. Och well, worse has happened. I spent the whole day slobbing and then went out for dinner and cured my hangover with a wee wine or two.

Friday night I had a flat full of Aussies, which was mad. My mate Steph had all her buddies over from the Mighty Melbourne and suddenly there was four of them crashing on the sofa-bed, my bed, and worst of all, the floor. Poor wee Warren being the only boy got rapidly relegated there as the girls bagged all the comfy places. Give us equal rights, but maintain chivalry dammit. Why can't we have the cake and eat it? I spent some quality time educating them about Irn Bru (Wilda, they said the same as you did in Japan, that is tastes like creamy soda. You must have weird creamy soda in Oz, cos Irn Bru and the UK one are nothing alike) and potato scones and lorne sausage and breakfast.

Saturday night was my last major party with friends, and it was really good. Nice meal, great company and lovely locations. Until we had the brainwave of visiting a club we all loved when we were 18 and no-one had been to for about 2 years. It used to be so cheesy, and it started out on a similar vein. Alas it rapidly deteriorated from the awesome cheese and dance period of the 90s started blaring out of all speakers. I had the strongest urge to buy a glow stick. I have never, in all my days clubbing in Glasgow (and there have been a few) been in a club where it went from cheesy dancing to almost a rave. Bizarre. I think its a fair sign that we are getting on a bit when the "retro" music becomes the music we all remember dancing to in our teens, as it was topping the charts.

Today I have last minute washing and packing to do. The word packing really should be swapped with cramming, because I have no idea where I am going to find space in my bags. One way or another, I will, even if I have to just shove it all in. I can't wait to get on that plane and sleep for 12 hours. My arms are aching from carrying heavy boxes down three flights of stairs as first I moved out and then helped my roomie. She is going to rent the flat now to strangers, which is very sad, as all in all I have spent a good few years there. But, moving on, moving on, to pastures new for Tino (who is off to South Africa soon) and pastures old for me.

Japan, Watch Out!!!

Manic Monday

2007-07-10T15:57:00.000+09:00

Yesterday was a day full of ups and downs. I passed my driving test first time after 6 weeks of learning, so I will now be able to drive in Japan. Yay! Big relief, apparently the first time pass rate has decreased significantly over recent years and I didn't have time to resit it as I leave the country in a week. Madness!

I came home to start calling family and friends to let them know, all of whom were very happy about it, but I couldn't get my gran on the phone.Finally, after about the 7th attempt and when I was beginning to worry being that she is 86 and lives on her own, I was callled back by someone saying that they were returning a call to "Marion Montgomery's phone". Totally freaked me out. Turned out it was one of my mother's sisters who let me know my Gran had fallen in the kitchen on Friday and shattered her wrist and is unable to be on her own at the moment, she can't even make a cup of tea. Her wrist has been set and re-set because it wasn't right the first time and it sounds like a painful nightmare. I'll go and see her on Friday and hopefully she will be able to get it fixed properly. When I did get a hold of her on the phone she sounded so annoyed that she has, albeit (hopefully) temporarily, lost her independence.

And then, I moved back to my parents, where I will mostly be based until next Tuesday, when I leave the country once again. I am blogging from my bed with boxes and suitcases all around me. Guess what fun chore I have to do today?

Wilda

2007-07-06T16:47:00.000+09:00

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of taking Wilda around Glasgow. It is a shame she wasn't here for longer, but we squeezed in a few activities. Its really odd being a tourist in your own city. We had tea in the Willow Tea Rooms, filled with designs by our own Rennie Mackintosh. Usually also filled with tourists but it was a nice setting and I enjoyed my wee bit of cake.

We had a meander around town and then went to Kelvingrove Museum, which has had a refit. One of the best things about Glasgow from a tourist perspective is that all the museums are free, which is a real perk considering everything else in the UK is so expensive. A yummy lunch in Stravaigin, my favourite restaurant, later and it was time for Wilda to catch the train back to Edinburgh to meet her sister.

Oh, and Wilda ate haggis, and liked it, which just goes to show that some of you need to get some backbone, stop whinging and try these things! You just never know.

Vegas, Baby!!!

2007-06-25T01:53:00.001+09:00

Last night me and my friends went to Vegas on the Renfrew Ferry. Lots of pretty dresses and good music, 'twas much fun. Today's hangovers are not quite so much fun, but hey! What on earth is the weekend for otherwise?

Binge Drinking?

2007-06-22T22:29:00.000+09:00

One of the great things about being back in Glasgow is the vast number of pubs we have to enjoy. As such some friends and I took ourselves off to one of our favourite haunts last night.(cute staff + two for one pizza = very happy patrons)

A conversation ensued about how much we all drink and Scotland's "binge drinking" culture, and I was staunchly maintaining that I am not a binge drinker. It was pointed out to me that after a cider, three pints and the beginnings of a bottle of wine in one go that I may be wrong. Yet, I have always perceived "binge drinking" to entail getting absolutely hammered once a week. Thus my entire defence was based on the fact that as I consistently drink that level of booze its hardly a "binge" and more of a regularity. That seemed like a good defence at the time, but now I am not so sure...

At any rate, according to the government, if you drink more than two units at any one sitting then you are binging. I hardly think 2 beers or a couple of glasses of wine is a binge. The mere word itself conjures images of mass over indulgence and stomach aches. Or maybe that only applies to chocolate binges?

Recent Stuff

2007-06-18T04:50:00.004+09:00

My roomie came back from her worldly travels last Sunday night after having 3 months buggering about around the globe. 'Tis alright for some. The rabbit and I are adapting to having her back. So far I have been fed lasagne and home made bread, long may it last.

I went to a Ceilidh last night too - roomie's parents had their 25th wedding anniversary party (apparently a year late) in a marquee in the garden, live band and lots of booze - but alas muggins here had a driving lesson this morning and could not partake. Tragic. I would have pics of the ceilidh but I was far too busy dancing to operate a camera, sorry!

Ah yes, the driving lessons.... I am trying to learn to drive before I go back to Japan. I am not very good at it though and am slightly concerned I may not achieve my goal given my short timescale. There will be lots of practice over the next few weeks, and if one more person tells me how easy it is (especially if they drive automatics given that I am learning manual) I will kill them. You have all been warned.

Nothing much more really. Lots of packing and organising stuff, and looking forward to Wilda visiting Scotland in a few weeks... will update on that later.

Oh yeah, and I babysat for my roomie's sis the other week. Her nephew thought that Fuzzi was a rabbit and Pheobe was a lady and seemed disappointed to learn the reality was the other way around. To be fair though, his way made way more sense!

Dublin

2007-05-26T16:45:00.001+09:00

Ok, so Dublin was basically a girl's weekend and, lets face it, an excuse to get sloshed. And why not? I don't think there are many pics of me from the weekend without a drink in my hand (although I am aware some would argue there aren't many pics of me without a drink in my hand full stop). I'm jealous though, Karen here has the lovely Dublin view as her background, and as she pointed out to me, I got "some guys crotch". Great.

The Guiness storehouse was good fun, a tad expensive at 14 euros but seeing as that includes a tour(self-guided, as was pointed out to all and sundry), a pint and a wee glass paperweight with some Guiness in as a memento (which doubled as your ticket, and had a removable ring-pull with which to claim your pint), we thought it was pretty reasonable, all in. Oh, and the restaurant was yummy too. Mmm, Irish stew...

We went to Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol (where all the Republican rebels were held), museums explaining Dublin's heritage as a Viking City, Dublin Castle, and eh.... oh yeah, lots and lots of shops! Saturday was a touristy day but come Sunday we were a little rough and Grafton Street was so appealing.. so after a quick scout of Trinity we hit the shops, and TGI Fridays. Well aware this was nothing we couldn't have done at home, but we wouldn't have had the lovely accent to listen to there.

Aye, see whit this wee thingy can dae...

2007-05-11T08:32:00.000+09:00

Skye

2007-05-08T05:45:00.000+09:00

Flora Macdonald's Cottage

The Hotel and View

Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing,

Onward, the sailors cry.

Carry the lad that's born to be king,

Over the sea to Skye.

So I went to the Isle of Skye with Omar as we had a long weeked. It was lovely, some traditional Scottish weather (it was cold, windy and rainy) some traditional Scottish food (the best steak I've had in a long time) some spectacular scenery and a few castles here and there for good measure. Oh, and a whisky distillery. The lyrics above are from a song telling the story of how Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped the Hanovarians after the Jacobite defeat at Culloden in 1746. He was disguised as a maid of Flora MacDonald, who later went to prison in London as punishment, although she was let out the following year. Our hotel included a cottage where she lived in her married life some years later.

Dunvegan Castle

Visited a couple of castles, Dunvegan and Eilan Donan. Dunvegan is owned by the MacLeod Clan who believed they were protected by fairies. (Fairies feature a lot in old tales). The castle features a fairy tower and a fairy flag, said to possess "miraculous powers" for the Clan. We would have gone out from the castle on a boat trip to see a seal colony but the wind was too mad for sailing. Eilean Donan is a cracking wee castle too, built on an island and linked by a wee stone bridge, hence the name. (Eilean Donan means Island of Donan). The castle was destroyed by the Government in 1719 as part of the Jacobite rebellion (see above) but was restored from 1912-1932.

Eilean Donan

Talisker Whisky casks

Proof! Tartan paint does exist after all!!

Close Call...

2007-05-05T06:30:00.000+09:00

Well, after a fiasco of an election we have 100,000 wasted votes due to confusion over the two ballot papers (using different systems) and the SNP with a slim lead - 47 seats to Labour's 46. It's good, I voted for the SNP and was sick of Labour. Not sure about being independent and breaking from the UK but it would be nice to have a referendum on it and see what people want. Now we just have to wait and see what kind of coalition is formed - and if they don't manage to do that and choose a First Minister for Scotland in the next 28 days (by May 30th) its back to the polls!

Also - the last three nights I have walked home at least one car has beeped at me. Is it so peculiar for a girl to walk home at 10pm? I forgot that cars always honked at me in Scotland. I get it half the time I walk to work too. Some friends have claimed that I have a distinctive walk / strut - could that be the reason? If you have any ideas, let me know. Tonight's beep was from some trashy girls advising me that "the polis'ull be roon in a meenite tae git ye". I wonder what for....

Disgusted...

2007-04-26T08:30:00.000+09:00

Came home last night to lots of lovely racist graffiti in the close to my flat. Someone had written anti-white slogans in biro, only to be outdone by even more charming anti-anybody-not-white in a delightful shade of green.

Perhaps now the neighbour that likes to keep the door unlocked for people to get in and out will start locking it.

On the plus side, when I phoned the building caretakers (the housing association) they said I was the fourth person to complain and that it was being sorted. So far there is one coat of paint over the abuse and it needs a few more, but I am reassured by the fact that I am not alone in my revulsion.

Why can't people just get along? And people wonder why I am concerned that the far-right extremist parties are gaining support...

Japanorama

2007-04-24T07:31:00.000+09:00

Two posts in one day; don't get too excited! I just came home from work and watched "Japanorama" and I have never seen such crap. The British (Johnathon Ross) presenter's pronunciation was appalling. He had a 'r' problem at the best of times; listening to him talk to "Wiyo" and "Wumi" was just too much for me. I wanted to cry by the time he said "Owasamenasai".

Still, it was nice to see Shibuya on the telly... and I clocked a Nova in the background... but I don't think thats a show I'll be watching again. It was almost as bad as the one where Kelly Osbourne acts like a silly little brat in Tokyo, insulting monks and farting around in the supermarket squealing at the fish...

Work and fun

2007-04-23T17:47:00.000+09:00

Sad to say, my favourite person at work is leaving us for a social work position in the Borders. She is the only Aussie I have met since I came home, and happily comes from Melbourne, somewhere I was planning on visiting lots in my life anyway, so that is convenient.

Work has been spectacularly crap lately, had a good old barney with one of the managers on Saturday and am looking for something else. I had already started a second job this past week so it isn't the end of the world but ideally I'd like a Mon-Fri 9-5 to run with the 6-11 I just started. Its only for a few months and will help me save up lots of pennies for Japan. I'm pretty sure I'm headed back over there in the summer, and as such need to save and learn to drive. Why is nothing ever cheap and straightforward?

Outwith work, my best friend of many years is staying with me at the moment. She works with Le Grande Cirque which is touring the UK. This week is Glasgow so I get her company, which is nice. Going to see the show on Saturday, so that should be fun.

Nothing much else going on. Work, home, work work home, think that should be the size of it for a few months...

Oh yeah, and congrats to my big brother, who has set a date for his wedding - 7th of September this year!

Kate

2007-04-09T01:56:00.000+09:00

Last week Kate visited from Japan, which was lovely and I traipsed all the way to Manchester to see her and then spent the day doing things I do in Glasgow anyway. Not that I am complaining; there is a lot to be said for beer and shopping. We had a lovely day with her language exchange who was also visiting, and much fun was made of my accent in the various pubs. Oh well, some things never change.

Oh yeah, and we found this in one of our favourite British shops... but that isn't the Shizuoka kanji. Truth be told, we have no idea what it is. Still, pretty amusing, so I bought it anyway!

You know you're back in Glasgow when...(cont)

2007-04-01T19:49:00.000+09:00

there is amazing architecture everywhere you look.
there is an abundance of pubs, clubs and places to socialise.
you can buy Irn Bru any time you wish to do so.
there is a gym literally around the corner.
there is also a library literally around the corner.
the view from your apartment is awesome.
you can find restaurants from all over the world.
people laugh at you for using American English.
everybody can understand you, even while speaking with your broadest accent.
your beloved football team are just a stone's throw away.
you don't stand out as a foreigner...even if you are.
you have a fantastic range of wonderful shops to go to, anytime you like and they all have your size!
there is a music scene to be envied the world over.
should you wish to do so, you could buy a deep fried mars bar. (yummy!)
you could spend several days visiting the city's numerous (and free) museums.
you have several great parks within easy walking distance of your house.
there are more universities and colleges than it is possible to imagine.
there aren't any cockroaches... and spiders remain smaller than the size of your hand.
the fish and chips are scrum-diddily-umptious.
most men are taller than you.
you can go out, party all night and come home not smelling like an ashtray due to the smoking ban.

You know you're back in Glasgow when...

2007-03-31T15:48:00.000+09:00

You look out of our bedroom window on a Friday night and see 20 people from the pub below brawling in the street, men vs men, women vs women and men vs women.
Your old High School seems to never be out of the papers for assaults on teachers, assaults by teachers or teacher bullying teachers... even the myspace forum indicates that most former pupils are trying to lose association with the place.
People are refused entry into bars for no real reason, but they are Asian (Pakistani) and all the white people with them are allowed in.
You work in a call centre. Years of university led you to believe this wouldn't happen, but the really good jobs are down south.
Your rent is ridiculously high or your salary is ludicrously low. Either way, there isn't an abundance of cash left behind.
People living her from other countries are terrified of the Neds (read: uneducated delinquent, aka hooligan/vandals who like to hang around the streets drinking Buckfast Tonic Wine and causing trouble).
People from other parts of Scotland are terrified of the Neds.
People from Glasgow are terrified of the Neds*.
Suddenly you understand why there is so much concern over rising obesity levels.
You have already grown accustomed to being referred to as "doll" or "hen".
You rarely have cash in your wallet for fears of it being stolen.
You can see high rise flats from your kitchen window.
The pavements look like the direct result of an earthquake without the earthquake ever taking place.
Old chewing gum litters the street, giving the concrete a white patchy effect.
It seems to rain every other day.
Trains are late.
Trains are generally dirty.
Trains are inexplicably expensive.
Your neighbours think it is acceptable to dump rubbish in the shared back court (old beds, cookers, boxes etc)
The education system seems to be slowly disintegrating.
You spend your days thinking of better places you could be.

*I, for one, am not terrified of them. I would describe it as more of a confused dislike. How can people be so stupid? Do they like hanging about bothering people, living off dole money and drinking themselves to death?

Back pain

2007-03-23T20:44:00.000+09:00

After weeks of intermittent pain at work, my back finally decided to go the whole hog this morning. I was putting on my tights when I felt something move, only to be followed by extreme pain. Life's a bitch sometimes. I'm off work for a few days, unable really to sit or stand and getting by on painkillers.. although lying down isn't good either, so hobbling about. And to make matters worse, work are being difficult... what fun!

On the plus side, I booked my flights to Japan for the summer... three glorious weeks, from July 17th to August 7th. Can't wait! たのしみ！I'll get back just before uni starts so it works out really well. Hopefully back pain will be short term and all gone by that point... I've got another wee trip coming up soon; going to Ireland with my mate Karen for a weekend so really want to be able to get the most out of it while I am there. Working lots of overtime to afford these fun adventures, but really, I might as well enjoy it while I am able to take time off and not working and studying simultaneously! Was planning to have people over this weekend, which I might do anyway; better than sitting/hobbling around on my own. Think I'll shuffle off now and get a book to read...

2007-03-13T06:34:00.000+09:00

Ok, so I realise I haven't updated for a while but life has been a bit mental of late - working far too many hours (64 last week, not including lunch breaks) and taking on far too many projects. But its good; I feel as though I am rebuilding a life here again. Guess it only takes time!

I am in the process of getting involved with the Glasgow ESOL, which is teaching English to asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants on a voluntary basis. Its all good, and I can't wait to get started, but its going to take some time as I need a certificate from the Japanese police to confirm I am a good girl before I can start work due to Scotland's strict background checks when working with young / vulnerable people. Would have had to do it all anyway for when Uni starts so this has just encouraged me to do it faster.

Been studying hard, and loving the Japanese. Even finally beginning to like Kanji - how things change!

In other news, yesterday I was raging - positively raging - and had to leave work early because when I went out to the shop on a break some absolute wanker (please excuse the expression, but read on and you will see it is justified) beeped his car horn at me and then deliberately swerved into the massive puddle beside the pavement in order to soak me - and he was successful; I was drenched. How sad and pathetic must some people's lives be, if they can be so spiteful and nasty for no reason at all. Actually, I am still fizzing with anger even now, just thinking about it. If only I could have seen his car registration, not only would I have reported him to the police (its illegal to do that here) I would like to have someone teach him a lesson... but I didn't!

In other news, The Great And Glorious Glasgow Rangers beat Celtic 1 -0 yesterday... Oh yes, WE ARRA PEOPLE indeed. Bet car guy is a Celtic fan and had to take out his rage on someone, the lowlife...

Ugo Ehiogu's goal

My new shoes

2007-02-28T18:31:00.000+09:00

I bought these babies a few weeks ago and have been meaning to post them here. They are so pretty and I love them so much... they are even worth all the Dorothy jokes. All hail the fabulous red shoes... everyone should have a pair!

Passed!

2007-02-08T19:56:00.000+09:00

Vegas and More...

2007-02-07T18:37:00.000+09:00

Finally, the weeks of ten hour shifts in my dull job are over, and I am back on a somewhat normal schedule, allowing me some more free time to catch up on all the stuff I have fallen behind on, like blogging.

A few weeks ago it was my roomie's birthday, and for the occassion we decided to go to Vegas. Not the Vegas that you are thinking of, but instead a monthly event called Vegas held on a ferry in Glasgow, where everyone dresses up fifties-ish and dances the night away. Was pretty good fun; I am looking forward to going again when Tino gets back from travelling (we have been forbidden from going without her).

What else? Oh yes, my lifelong dream of teaching here has begun to be realised - I got into the teacher training course for 2007/8 and I am really looking forward to it. Starts in August so will be visiting Japan in July, maybe towards the start of August if timing allows. Started looking for cheap flights already, so be prepared!

Nothing else new really, working away, been out for some lovely lunches and dinners recently (its fabulous living in the West End, restaurants galore!) and trying to save the pennies, to little success (the problem with living in the West End is that there is simply too much to do!).

The Last King of Scotland.... and other things

2007-01-22T07:35:00.000+09:00

I went to see The Last King of Scotland this week, based on the dictatorship of Amin in Uganda in the 1970s. It was thoroughly captivating and full of interest, and I strongly recommend it. Forest Whitaker is awesome as is James McAvoy, who plays a young doctor caught up in the dictator's closest circle. Very thought provoking though, as these films tend to be, but it has to be one of the best films I have seen in a very long time. Go see it if you can.

Also just finished reading a book called Maps for Lost Lovers, about a Pakistani community in England and how they react when an unmarried couple living together are murdered for their "sins". Very insightful, it made me realise that some people are holding on to their culture so dearly because they are scared; in particular the older generations who had to endure so much racial abuse when they arrived in the UK. It is a fantastic read, in part because of the different perspectives it offers, which begin to shed light on a community the "whites" know so little about. The story offers a variety of characters, good and bad, not always showing Islam in a positive light, but offering an opportunity of understanding to those who are interested in how the Muslim community works abroad.

What else have I been doing? Not much; settling in, and working far too many hours! But I am enjoying being back, although I still miss Japan and my job. Such is life. Still haven't gotten around to finding me a Japanese teacher, but I will be working on that very soon...

A wee joke (courtesy of Kate)

2007-01-14T18:48:00.000+09:00

John O'Reilly hoisted his beer and said, "Here's to spending the rest of me life!, between the legs of me wife!"
That won him the top prize at the pub for the best toast of the night! He went home and told his wife, Mary, "I won the prize for the Best toast of the night" She said, "Aye, did ye now. And what was your toast?" John said, "Here's to spending the rest of me life, sitting in church beside me wife."
"Oh, that is very nice indeed, John!" Mary said. The next day, Mary ran into one of John's drinking buddies on the street corner. The man chuckled leeringly and said, "John won the prize the other night at the pub with a toast about you, Mary."
She said, "Aye, he told me, and I was a bit surprised myself. You know, he's only been there twice in the last four years. Once he fell asleep, and the other time I had to pull him by the ears to make him come."

Settling

2007-01-10T08:57:00.000+09:00

Pheobe, the star attraction of my new home

So I have now been home almost one month, which seems surreal. The feeling that I should be getting on a plane tomorrow and returning "home" to Japan is gradually subsiding, partly due to moving into a flat in Glasgow. I think because the last twice I came home I was staying with my parents and then heading back to Japan there was a subconscious feeling that I was doing the same again.

It is nice to be back in Glasgow, and I even used to live where I am at the moment, although due to an unfortunate fire and a rebuild the flat has a different look, although a similar feel, which has made it easier to settle. Minus the flatmate who used to cause me stress, gaining a living room in addition to the large hall we used to use and a rabbit belonging to my roommate, its all pretty good. Said roomie is planning on going travelling for a bit so I will be here on my tod with Pheobe, which will be kind of cool. She isn't Max (my parents lovely lab) but she is cute, and its nice to have an animal around.

Work is going ok, not the most exciting job in the world but sometimes very challenging when you have people sobbing down the phone about their brother who lost a leg due to smoking (yes, it can happen) and the trouble they are having quitting. Still, apparently I am doing a good job which is reassuring to hear.

Still missing peeps, but enjoying hearing from them... hope anyone I haven't heard from is well and enjoying the new year!

Hogmanay

2007-01-02T07:30:00.000+09:00

I saw the bells in in traditional(ish) style at a party at my mate's flat. I've finally started to feel that I belong in Scotland again and that I am not just visiting. The more time I spend with people the more normal it is, but then I am just reminded of how far away 日本 is, and I miss it still. Moving house in a week, and once I get unpacked I am going to get organised, and work towards meeting this year's resolutions, which are as follows:

Study Japanese and pass level 3 this year in December, assuming I managed to pass level 4 last year

Keep in touch with peeps around the globe

and of course, the bog standard

lose weight

save money

which, one of these days, I might even achieve!

Earthquake

2006-12-27T03:18:00.000+09:00

Scotland, does not, on the whole, have a lot of earthquakes. In fact, until today I don't think I have ever seen one on the news. So it was quite a surprise to see that there was a quake measuring 3.5 on the richter scale in Dumfries today. The news is full of people who are shocked and stunned but no injuries. Good job it wasn't in the Glasgow area - I would most likely have remained oblivious to it as I usually did in Japan.

Xmas was really good... a family day at home, went to see my nephew get loads of pressies and he came down here today with his mum and dad. Last night we went into some friend's flat and drank and I caught up with peeps. One mate brought his Wii, so we had some doubles tennis going on... its just fantastic with a full four people, but you have to watch your mate doesn't smack you on the head with his backhand. Lots of peeps either have or want Wiis, so I foresee a lot more Wii action to come!

Work and Trains

2006-12-24T04:50:00.000+09:00

Ok, so I have completed three days of training and I am now an in-depth specialist on smoking cessatio and will be working on the helpline for England starting New Years eve, although thankfully I do not have to work New Years day... I will be getting legless in traditional fashion. It is weird though because to be honest I still feel like I work for Nova and this is all just a holiday, maybe once I do my first proper shift the reality will dawn on me. Most of the other people seem fun, a nice Polish girl with a Glaswegian accent which amuses me immensely, I always wished I would meet someone Japanese who could speak so broadly but unfortunately never did. Well, I might do here so who knows?

Fully prepared for Xmas now, have bought all the presents I needed to buy and wrapped them, just a few January birthdays to organise now, which can be done in due course. After New Year's my next days off will be the 7th and 8th of January so will be moving back into Glasgow then, which will be nice, not least because of cutting out travel time, it takes forever to get into work on public transport and is shockingly expensive. Mind you, an English woman at work was saying how good the trains in Glasgow are just as I was thinking how crap they are... I guess very few countries could match the Japanese standards, but I have to wonder what kind of state the trains down south are in.

Striving to keep up with emails, I don't want to lose touch with anyone so if someone lets you know I haven't emailed them direct them here to leave a comment, give them my email or let me know so I can get in touch.

I'll post pics when I get a chance, I hope everyone is well and excited for Xmas break.

My New Toy

2006-12-19T07:36:00.000+09:00

OK, so back in Scotland and have been since Friday night. I have since attended a party at the very nice flat I will be living in after New Year, and caught up with some mates. I forgot about lots of stuff that is in my room and am up to my elbows trying to sort it all out. I had a job interview today which went well and may start work in a few days or a week, which would be nice. And now I have the treasure of all treasures.... the Nintendo Wii. So far I have only played some Wii sports but tomorrow I have no real plans... well, I am going to see my nephew but apart from that, it might just be a Wii-tastic day!!!

In London (and Sayonara Pics)

2006-12-13T15:29:00.000+09:00

Well.. I am in London, its half past six and I have been awake for two hours despite only going to bed at midnight and not having slept for about 26 hours prior to that. Odd.

It feels weird to be in the UK. No signs with Japanese script, street lights are really yellow in colour compared to the white Japanese ones, the paving stones are uneven and the train yesterday was delayed at every station and made stops in between because of some problem. Yup, I'm back and it hasn't changed a bit... but I have, and it will take time. I bought a ticket in English for the train, and it felt so strange to do, like I was in a lesson or something. The accents are so varied I am actually having problems distinguishing them at times. And being in a bed up high is really scary, I keep dreaming I am going to fall out... I miss my futon.

At my mate Gillians's house which is nice. Her boyfriend came and met me at the station, which was very nice being that I have only met him once before, and that was a year ago. Then he cooked us dinner and had even bought a cake. MMM. I am going to have to be careful with food here, although I ate junk food in Japan I think fat content is probably higher here and I could just balloon if I am not careful... must watch food intake and join a gym!

People in other countries, do newsagents always have the exact same smell there? I went into one at the airport to buy juice in order to have change for the phone and was hit by the smell. Not bad, just so nostalgic.

Leaving Japan was hard, but I had a great time there and fun in Tokyo on Monday with Emi. I'll be back though, and I am sure it won't have changed a bit. I am trying to ascertain what I will miss most, (excepting people) currently torn between the beer, which I really liked and sashimi. But maybe it will just be customer service, I was pissed off with the staff attitudes about two minutes into the flight... everything is so much more casual here. Who knows? Only time can tell.

Honestly... the last Japan post...

2006-12-11T01:43:00.000+09:00

I am home, drunk and my room mates are bastards. Bloody gits went and bought a Celtic top, (well a crappy replica) with Nakamura, the Japanese players' name and number on the back, and then got everyone to sign it... so I can't throw it out because of the memories.

I don't think they expected the intense hatred though... my refusal to touch it for the first part of the night amused all until I opened the cellophane and found a blue and white Japan shirt underneath, cleverly concealed.... although by the end I was so drunk there is actually a pic of me in the Celtic-ish shirt... oh dear God, please forgive me. Please?

Tonight was really sad, I hate to say goodbye to my friends... its awful to do. Oh well.... I need to stop typing so I can use my new chopsticks... they are awesome... chopsticks that look like pencils and if I hadn't already packed my camera adapter thingy for my pc there would be a pic... maybe soon...

Last Post In Japan

2006-12-10T08:57:00.000+09:00

Wow, this is actually going to be the last time I sit at my computer in Japan and type a post. Well, I am awake at 9 am despite coming home at 2.30 from a student party last night... yes, I know I'm not allowed to socialize with students but seeing as I don't work there any more and I already have my reference, I thought, what the hell! It was really awesome... Wilda, you will recognise some faces for sure!

I'm not sure if its a good or bad thing that the karaoke man was sad to see me go, and wished me all the best, shaking my hand etc. Maybe I go there too much? Well, when I come to visit I am sure we'll be dropping by to rock the mics... I wonder if he'll remember my name then?

The last week has been mad. I shipped three boxes last week and I thought I was done, but then I receieved so many presents this week that I have to ship another one today... thats kind of ridiculous. Mind, I got some beautiful stuff... one class made me a huge scrap book , a double page for each kid, a picture of me with the kid, a picture the kid drew me and some pics of them doing stuff. I got pics of me with the kids from most classes in beautiful frames... it was heartbreaking to say goodbye to all my kids, I literally must have cried a river this week and I even had the Japanese staff in tears a few times... especially when the scrapbook Mums were there, they were crying more than their kids! I have lots of contacts though, and I will do my best to stay in touch with everyone. Ganbarimasu!

Well, I sit surrounded by gifts and a half-packed suitcase which is getting picked up later today. I'm meeting people for lunch before then (more goodbyes!) so I had best get off my ass (and thats the last time I'm saying 'ass'; I am reverting to the British 'arse' as of Tuesday morning) and pack up... and then I have one more party at the awesomest of all izakayas known as Hyoutanya.

To everyone I have met here, whether you have left before me or not, I can only offer thanks and gratitude, you helped make my experience here - and it was so wonderful I can't put it into words.

But like Junichi said last night, I won't say Sayonara. So matane and I will see you all soon!

The Christmas Tree

2006-12-04T21:37:00.000+09:00

The Xmas Tree... as done by myself and Anthony. Yesterday we had our Japanese Proficiency tests, although admittedly Ant's was much harder being that he was going for level 2 compared to my paltry beginners stage, but he did study Japanese at uni in addition to being here as long as I have. The test was ok, results in Feb, will let you know how it went.

Yesterday was quite amusing all in all, went to one of the uni's in Shizuoka to sit it and I really did feel like a student again.... perhaps this feeling was encouraged by the copious amount of booze consumed after the exam... very natsukashii. (nostalgic).

Well I have one week left, it still seems surreal and I just realised that I shipped someone;s xmas present in the box marked sea-mail, so I guess I'll be getting them something else and keeping it for the next occasion. Oh well. One week to enjoy Japan... so I am off to do just that!

Charmed Life

2006-11-23T23:33:00.000+09:00

Recently I've been thinking that I really do live a charmed life. I have a great quality of life; I love my job, have a wide circle of friends in Japan, Scotland and these days, around the world. I have had nothing but fun for quite a few weeks now. Its awesome.

Today I had a farewell party with some friends. This consisted of being taken to what looked like a very expensive restaurant in a hotel for Teppanyaki, and we had our own chef preparing everything for us. When I asked my friend what some kind of vegetable was, the chef responded in perfect English. The wine was awesome, and even the glass I was drinking from seemed to be of a higher quality. Honestly, it felt like it was Christmas... and that was before they brought out sirloin steak!

After I left my friends, I was just wandering along the main street taking in Shizuoka and thinking about how lucky I am. Over the last few weeks people have started to invite me everywhere for 'sayonara' parties, and I've received some awesome presents. Today I got a kind of jacket to wear in the house, very Japanese. (I was told the name of it, but I forgot already.. will need to look that up later) Not only did they give me one, they also gave me one for Omar, who they have never met - the wife just thought that we should have "his and hers" if you like.

I know I am leaving Japan, but this time around I really feel its the right thing to do and I am already planning my return for a holiday next year. I know that I will keep in touch with the friends I have made, I already do with those who have left before me. And I am psyched about going home to Bonny Scotland... it'll be great to catch up with people there and hang out in Glasgow again. I guess every country has it good points, and its bad. But in both countries, I have fantastic peeps to rock out with!

Karaoke with the BENJSTER

2006-11-23T16:43:00.000+09:00

Karaoke was awesome last night, we did a nomi in a cute little izakaya first and then headed to rock the mics, as Baz likes to say. Was fun to see Ben again, and Uta (his lady) too! I have to say that Uta's family are so cool... her bro and sis came and they are just as chilled as she is. They were telling me they think Uta is 'very lucky' to have Benj, and that the family love him. Awww. Bless. Here's some photos of drunk people (for a change!).

Wii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-17T08:59:00.000+09:00

Last Days

2006-11-13T02:11:00.000+09:00

Today was my last day with my friend Hide and his family, as due to his job he doesn't have so much time in Japan. We went to the shrine to see shichi-go-san (7-5-3) the special day for Japanese kids, and the park, where they refused to play ball despite wanting to do so before we got there; so we let them play on the slides and climbing stuff and then went round the museum. We then headed to Yaizu port, near their house, and saw Mount Fuji in all its splendour before heading back and dropping Kotomi off as she was so exhausted. We took pics with the new baby, Maho, and finally Naoki, Hide, Yuri and I went for dinner, before Hide and I went to a bar in Fujieda. We had never been there before and I had the surprise of my life with the in-bar decor... look at the pics and you will see why. Awesome day... I love those kids; a lot of fun and I will miss them. It just reassures me that I have to come back to visit Japan as much as possible.

Oh yeah, and when asked what he would do when I wasn't around, and he was sad, Naoki insisted on saying he would poo. I would be shocked but I remember thinking that 'fart' was the funniest word in the world, so I guess its fair enough.

Ben in Japan!

2006-11-11T23:38:00.000+09:00

Ben is in Japan... which totally rocks, as did the mics at karaoke last night, after more than 18 months of Eldridge (sp?) absence. It was great to see him again... twenty minutes down the pub and it was like he'd never been away... games convs and banter... and a raging headache all day today. Oh well. Anyway, there will be more pics to come, but for now, here's what I have from last night. Oh, and I got awesome Aussie omiyage. Rock on!

Writing cont

2006-11-10T00:11:00.000+09:00

Drinking

“Work is the curse of the drinking classes”

The above quote by Oscar Wilde sums up quite nicely the situation my friends and I are in. Many a day off has been started with a few leisurely beers over lunch before progressing to a beer picnic in the park (its perfectly respectable in Japan to drink in the park during the day, as long as you don’t bother anyone) and then a ‘nomi hodi’ or all-you-can-drink for dinner (it comes with some food). And very occasionally, if I’m in the company of Barry, this has been followed with a second all-you-can drink (dessert) and karaoke with all-you-can-drink (supper). If I didn’t have to go to work the rest of the time, I think my liver would have given up the ghost by now.

I get hangovers in Japan that I never got at home, I think its partly due to the nomi-hodi culture and partly due to the cheap beer we consume at such events. To be able to simply call the waiter (or at karaoke, lift the intercom phone) and have more beer brought to you is just awesome. I don’t know what I’ll do when I have to go home and fight my way through the crowd at the bar for a single drink. To be honest, it seems like too much work…

Money

I never have enough of it… or at least, it seems that way. No sooner do I have money than its burning a hole in my pocket and gone. It is quite peculiar. But I never used to be this way, I used to be a saver.

I remember at primary school and high school putting all my odd ten pence pieces aside, and they would build up into some decent cash. I used to buy tuna salad rolls for lunch at high school, partly because they were the healthiest thing on offer (although ‘salad’ is loosely defined here as a piece of lettuce, a small piece of soggy tomato and if you were lucky, some brownish cucumber) but mostly because they were cheap, and I could stick 50p a day away.

I don’t know if my parents cottoned on to me doing this, but they certainly used to take the piss about my saving habits. I remember jokes about moths in my wallet being made possibly even before I was a teenager… I don’t know if that’s why I changed and became a spendthrift or just that I became old enough to pay for stuff myself and discovered the fashion world, but its one of the two. I’d rather be the person I am though, and skint, that someone with loads of money and no friends because they are stingy. It is an easy choice to make.

Happiness

A large bowl of mint choc chip ice cream. A few beers with friends. Good company. When my team wins. When the rival team loses. An awesome day at work. Kids, especially when they are laughing. People who can take a joke and can fire back in the same fashion. Inspirational conversations. Mind boggling problems in video games that take weeks to solve. Microphones being rocked at karaoke. Being top of the class or first in an exam. A very clean house. Good plans and organization. Irn Bru, the soft drink of all soft drinks. Good hair days. Knee high boots. Being complimented. Good music. Seeing Mount Fuji in the morning when I leave my apartment.

Just a few of the things that make me happy. Maybe some of them are shallow, I don’t know. But I do know that they work, it’s the little things that can brighten your day and lift your spirits. I am very happy in my life right now. I am happy with my job, with my friends (as time as gone on, I’ve learned to separate the good from the bad… not everyone who says they are your friend is your friend) and I am happy with my fiancée.

Yes, there are things I would change. I’d like to lose a kilo or seven. I’d like it if everybody I met instantly liked me, and I’d like it if I always did the right thing. But what the hell, I am human and I make mistakes… and as long as people realise that, and don’t demand to much or fail to understand, I think I will always be happy.

Shoes

I love shoes. They can instantly dress an outfit up or down. Jeans can be taken from night to day with the addition of heels, and skirt can instantly make the switch from party girl to chilling if I swap the stilettos for trainers or flip-flops.

Flip-flops. My summer footwear of choice. I love them because my feet can breathe, and because they don’t give me any extra height. Much as I adore heeled shoes and how they make my legs look, I cannot abide towering over my fiancée when I am wearing heels. I’d rather be short.

Japan is woeful for me in the shoe department, my feet are too big for Japanese ladies sizes. In the last two years any footwear shopping has been done at home or by mail order. Only trainers have been purchased… and from the mens department at that.

International attitudes on shoes and boots are intriguing me at the moment. My roomie loves Timberlands, but they make me cringe. Where I’m from, groups of troublemakers can be seen loitering in the streets in their Timberland boots as they look for their next fight. I associate them with this. He associates them with fashion and looking good, and I guess here they are, and they do look good on him, but I cannot shake the image from home out of my head.

Crying

I am a crier. A regular waterworks… I can sob and sob and sob at a movie, or a book, if the story is sad enough. I’ve been known to cry at The Simpsons, although only on one occasion and with justification (a dog was going to die).

I once went to the cinema on a date with a boy. We never went to the cinema again. Titanic, the big film of the year, on St Valentine’s day… and I cried so hard. I was devastated when Jack died… my fourteen year old self sobbed. The poor boy I was with had no idea what to do, I remember him asking me again and again if I was ok, only to get sniffily snotty noises in response.

I’ve always been like that. When I was a child, I loved Thomas the Tank Engine, and my brother and I used to watch it in the mornings sometimes. There’s this one episode where Henry (one of the green trains, if you don’t remember) gets blocked in a tunnel… despite having seen it quite possibly thousands of times, and knowing fine well that he gets out before the end of the show, I would be hysterical. According to my mother, I would get so upset that she would have to fast forward it, show me him getting out safely, and then rewind it so we could watch the rest of the episode.

I also cry when I am really really happy. In short, if I am around, you might want to keep some tissues handy.

Nostalgia

I must be getting old if I can even have experiences to be nostalgic about. I am really not sure where the time went. I remember being 13 and mad at the world and wanting to grow up and escape. Here I am ten years on and I cannot believe so much has changed since then. I still feel like the same person I was… how time flies.

What am I nostalgic about? My childhood perhaps…. I have a lot of happy memories. Living in such a built up country makes me very grateful that I grew up in the countryside with so much space to run around in. I remember playing hide and seek in one of the many park-like areas near our house with what was probably half my school… bearing in mind that in my year there was probably around 13 or 14 kids and we shared our classroom with either the year above or below us, half the school isn’t really that many people.

I love nostalgia; it’s a great feeling. Those rose tinted spectacles highlighting the best of times is just awesome, and it always makes me feel blessed, because all in all, at the end of the day, I have had a great life so far… and there is only more of it to come.

Writing

2006-11-09T09:05:00.000+09:00

A friend recently bossed us all into writing a topic a day for a month, chosen on rotation by all the participants. I am waaaay behind at the moment, being super busy, but inspired by Maggie, I'm posting what I have done here... although it is subject to editing. If you want to see a spectactular piece of slander, go here: Outrageous Slander and read the 'food' article. Anyway, here's what I've done so far, (in no particular order) with updates to come:

Work

“Work hard, Play hard” is often described as a vital part of Scottish culture. I asked some students the other day if they thought the same term could be applied to Japanese people, and they said that “study hard, play hard” would be more suitable. Probably, they study so much I think it probably does them more harm than good…. You can only learn so much at a time, and falling asleep in class because the previous day’s study was too much for you cannot be beneficial.

But people here work hard, and the Japanese attitude seems to be that you cannot say no to your boss. Unfortunately this is an attitude I share. I lack the ability to refuse overtime. To some extent this is because I like the money, but it is really because I feel an overwhelming obligation to the company and in particular my branch. I feel bad if students cannot book lessons because we are busy, and so I end up working long weeks and being totally shattered. I don’t know if I already had this attitude or if it is one I have acquired in my time here, but I am in danger of being a workaholic.

Is that so bad? I love my job, but I need to be careful it doesn’t overtake my life… easier said than done when the job is the whole reason you have a visa and live in the country you are in, huh?

Enterprise

Some people cannot abide working for large corporate companies, and one friend in particular springs to mind. He just hated not being personally valued and told that he was every single day, and ultimately left in part for that reason.

Me? I see it as an opportunity. I take pride in working for the company I do, and I strive to maintain or even raise the standard. I think there is praise to be got but you have to work for it. I’ve been promoted in my time and I know I am valuable as my boss has tried more than once to dissuade me from leaving.

I’m actually sad to be saying goodbye to this big corporate company. I’ve loved the job, and the people and I think in basic terms the company philosophy is the right one.

Although…. Yes, I am just a number in the grand scheme of things. We only have basic office supplies because I and two of the other instructors in my branch provide them due to budget cuts… but I don’t mind.

Weird, because I hated the other big companies I worked for. Maybe it isn’t the company at all. Maybe its just people need to find the job that is right for them, and pour themselves into it the way I have with this one.

Food

Everybody loves food, this is a fact. Whether you love spicy or bland, bitter or sweet everybody loves food, and they also love talking about it.

Me? I love Japanese food. I loooove sashimi and sushi and rice and okonomiyaki (Japanese style pizza) and noodles and all.

I also hate Japanese food. I detest nato (fermented soy beans, and for fermented read rotten) and I’m not a fan of tofu. And anyone who claims to know me well will tell you that my spice tolerance is pathetic.

I’m probably one of the few people who eat sashimi minus the wasabi. Wasabi totally blows the roof of my mouth off. I just have no spice tolerance.

This has led to the misconception that I am a picky eater, but I am not. I am willing to try new things, but sometimes they are too spicy for me. And honestly, that’s the biggest food issue I have.

Omar is another story. He is a spice loving monster. He tried takoyaki (fried balls with octopus in) and although he liked it, he decided he didn’t once he knew it was octopus. He wouldn’t try lots of Japanese food when he was here. “Raw fish? EWWWW!” was how it went if I remember correctly. I guess like everything else, we are just super opposites in the food department too.

Hometowns or Roots

I always find it odd when people talk to me about my ‘hometown’ here. I’m not really sure what the term means. If its where I grew up, that could barely be described as a ‘town’ more of a ‘homevillage’. The place where my family moved to when I was ten is nice, but I have never felt it was my ‘hometown’ per say. I spent the last few years at home in Glasgow, and that’s where I say I’m from if I’m asked. Partially because both the places I lived as a kid are hard to pinpoint on a map and most people have never heard of them, but mostly because I feel a connection to Glasgow I don’t with the other two.

I think though, at heart, I just associate Glasgow with working-class Scotland. Edinburgh is your ‘posh’ city, if you like, full of the middle class and so on, but Glasgow is where you find the real people, the ‘diamonds in the rough’ if you like. It has a wonderful atmosphere, people are friendly and helpful and if you’re ever in that neck of the woods, please remember to take every reference to yourself as ‘hen’ or ‘son’ in the way its meant: as a friendly term of affection.

That’s not to say it isn’t a dangerous place, any visitor would be wise to check for information first and not stray into the dodgy areas… but seriously, you wouldn’t go sightseeing in the Bronx, and the Gorbals is no more welcoming an area for your average tourist.

I guess I see myself as working-class Scotland, and trying to make something better of myself. And I think Glasgow is the same as me, working-class, proud, and on the rise.

Homosexuality

It comes as no surprise that this was Barry’s choice of topic. Let us examine the evidence shall we? Barry, known as “Barry-Ko Chan” after wearing a high school girl’s uniform to the Halloween 2004 party (which was outdone this year by his Hard Gay costume) also has a serious Kitty-Chan (Hello Kitty) obsession. Hrm. And then he chooses homosexuality as his topic. I wonder if Barry is trying to tell us all something…

Then again, I wonder if there isn’t a little bit of it in all of us. I was a tomboy, I hated wearing a dress when I was little and I’ve been a football fan for longer than I can remember. I’ve never been a girly girl, but that doesn’t mean I’m gay. What I don’t understand is why gay men are so effeminate and why lesbians are generally so butch. I mean, if I was going to be gay I’d want a woman with curves and womanly parts, not one that looks like a man.

I guess at the end of the day there is someone for everyone and if it floats your boat and you aren’t hurting anyone, then what the hell? Japanese attitudes towards sexuality are still pretty conservative... but younger people are more open to talk about it although they might not understand why some people feel the way they do… but then not everyone at home understands homosexuality either.

It sounds clichéd, but I love my gay friends… in my first three weeks of Uni the only people I met were gay males, and some I am still in contact with and some not, the same as everyone else I’ve met in my life.

Liaisons

Dictionary definition: Noun 1. liaison - a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship.

Initially I didn’t think I had anything to say about this, but on second thoughts, I rather think I do.

A usually secretive relationship. I have a lot of experience with this one. As a teenager, I sometimes tried to keep boyfriends secret from my parents; not for any real reason, just that I couldn’t be bothered explaining the situation, or that I knew it was going to be a short-lived ‘affair’ for want of a better word, and thus not worth meeting the family over. Two weeks hardly construes true love now, does it?

I’ve been with my fiancée now for just over four years, yet my existence in his life was only really confirmed to his family ten months agoat Christmas last year when we got engaged, and they declined to meet me at that time. I wasn’t really a secret, some members of his family knew and had discussed it with him, and others knew but chose to pretend it wasn’t really happening. He chose to deny it for the most part whenever he was asked, preferring to keep our relationship a secret rather than face the music for dating a girl of different race and religion.

Some people wonder why I put up with it for so long, and who knows? Perhaps all the practise I had when I was younger is some of the reason, but I really think its just that I love him, and he is good to me, always has been. I’ve been living in a different country for two years and he has been supportive and waited for me, when I don’t think most guys would have. I’m lucky. He loves me, and if his family choose to keep me a secret, and to think of our relationship as a ‘liaison’ or a fling, then who cares? Because at the end of the day, we know the truth.

Germs

Children are germ factories. This is a fact. I was a very sick little bunny a few weeks ago and I will put money on the fact that I have multiple children coughing/sneezing on me daily.

Are germs just viruses? Or are some people germs in a different form?

There are some people who honestly have nothing better to do than bug the hell out of other people. They become the thorn in one’s side, or in this day and age, the virus in one’s computer. Some people just like to complain, and boy do they do a good job. Let’s examine the evidence shall we?

· The lady who complains about a teacher talking to another student too much when in fact the lesson was man to man and there was no other student to be conversing with.
· The student who complains that she cannot understand English because she has a hearing problem. She admits that she has a hearing problem in Japanese also but refuses to get a hearing aid, because it is not her ears that are the problem, its her English ability.
· People who only seem to get a kick out of putting other people down, whether it be making smart comments or criticizing other people’s choices.

Let’s face it, some people are just are huge fucking pain in the arse that we will never like… and chances are, they feel the same way about you as you do about them. We all have our own germs to ‘bear’.

Queen Alison of Nova

2006-11-08T09:12:00.001+09:00

Often when the kids I teach make mistakes in their workbooks, they make over-the-top "oh No" and "oh my God" style reactions that they have seen in movies or on TV. Its quite amusing to be honest.. but yesterday really took the biscuit. After matching dining room to kitchen by mistake, one five year old in my class said "aww NAW" and I don't think she could have been any more Glaswegian if she had tried. I, of course, fell about laughing, which meant then that the rest of the class tried to amuse me with "aww NAW" comments for the rest of the lesson. I pity the poor sould who teaches them when I leave.

Even better, same class: we got new Alphabet posters after much whining (by me) to head office and to the Japanese staff. The kids and I are going through ABC.... I say the letter and they tell me what the picture is. It's a little game we have.... they were perfect..."A" "aeroplane!" "B" "Ball" and so on.... until I said "Q" and instead of "Queen" the whole class said "Alison!!! Princess Alison!" Heh heh heh. After explaining that the Queen was the Princess's mum, they decided to redefine it to Queen Alison. I like the sound of that. Queen Alison.

Oh yeah, and one of them told me (in Japanese) that when she grows up she wants to go to New Zealand with me. I asked her why New Zealand, and she said because sheep are interesting. I fear the poor wee soul is in for a major disappointment as she gets older. Bless.