Oct 21, 2010

Happy Anniversary...again

Yes, I know I'm a bit late, but happy one month anniversary for being back in Tokyo!! It doesn't feel like I ever left really, but it is wonderful to be back ^^ I guess 3 weeks would make for a long update today heh, but shall try to summarize without doubling the page length.

On the 6th I finally got to see the Kubotas!! Haru has gotten so big, and I can't believe she's in 1st grade already (since she wasn't even in school yet when I last saw her). But of course still just as cute haha. Unfortunately she forgot most of the English we taught her, but just have to start again~! Yuko made nabe for dinner, and that was pure joy ;__; My first nabe ever, and must I say I am officially addicted. Thankfully I get to see them every Wednesday for English lesson + dinner from now on, so I'm sure I'll be posting more about our adventures~

That Friday was English Club dinner, which was of course A BLAST! So many new people now, it's a new environment but still just as awesome as I remember it. Meeting in Shibuya also makes for more stuff to do after we eat. Unfortunately we only meet once a month now, so shall have to really focus on meeting new people~ On Monday had a shopping day with Seiko in Harajuku/Shibuya and KYA so fun X3 Started to get some fall clothes since the weather is finally changing (aka in the 60s). Need to do more shopping though since most of my stuff is lighter. That night came home to ANOTHER nabe party, which just about made my life complete - 2 nabes within one week. I need to remember to take pictures of all the food I'm eating, I just get so overwhelmed in the moment I forgot haha.

Started my accounting classes on the 13th, and oh my gosh BRAIN HURTAGE. Night classes for 2&1/2 hours straight in Japanese in a subject area I know nothing about = I must study much. Our instructor goes really fast, but it's great listening practice. He's also really nice - wrote the kanji extra big for me when I was sitting at the back of the room ^^ I suppose I can always rewatch the lectures as well, since the school has a video room students can use for free. Luckily I'm taking the class with Natsuko, so can ask her (or anyone at my office really) if I need any help, yay~~~

Oct 4, 2010

Fall is heeeere

Well, it was for about a week. Then it got hot again...so not exactly sure when fall will officially start. It's in the 70s this week, so perfect t-shirt weather :D

The past two weeks have kind of been a blur since I've been so busy, but shall try to give a basic rundown.
On the 24th had a dinner date with Kei & Ellie at their apartment - made karaage + peanut butter cookies X3 SO YUMMY! Also enjoyed the kpop spazzing we did for at least 2 hours...must do again soon~ That Saturday I met up with Taketo and we just hung out in Shinjuku~ Was very fun window shopping, and now I've realized about so many new stores, it's dangerous...especially since my work is so close by rofl.



Last Monday FINALLY got my gaijin card, so went directly to Immigration afterwards and started my visa application process :D It usually takes about 6 weeks to finalize, so hoping everything goes smoothly! On Thursday had dinner and shopping with Sam in Ikebukuro. OH MY GOSH, so much fun!! She's just as much a cute stuff shopaholic as me, so weren't very good influences on eachother, I'll just say that rofl...We went to Milky Way, which is a dessert cafe in the area, and I HAVE to post a photo of what we got, pure amazingness. I believe I must take every.single.friend to this place of joy.

On Friday night went to Shibuya and met Kyoko for dinner ^^ She took me to an izakaya, and I was actually quite surprised how nice it was~ Reminded me of lounges in the US, so must go back again, great for relaxing. We went to karaoke after, and since she's a huge DBSK fan we did a lot of their Japanese songs...was a first for me ~ But the place we went was SO cheap, need to ask where we went and become a regular lol. After that I met up with Kozue and we just hung out until midnight window shopping~ Then we went to FLASH!!! and kyaha so good~ I'd originally RSVPed for a group going there together, but got caught up being with Kozue that I just saw everyone at the event. Left earlier than last time, so went to Saizeriya at 4am for fooooood. And oh my gosh, can't wait to see these people again. None of them really spoke English, so great chance to practice Japanese, and oh so fun :D

Sep 21, 2010

Run around

So my first week at work finished with flying colors :D I'm the baby at the company, so everyone is really helpful. I'm really enjoying work so far, it's stretching me in so many new ways. Like using muscles I never even knew I had before. Having to research so much is making SO much more aware of the world around me, and not just in relation to Japan but globally. I also can't complain about having to keep up with updates on the iPhone and getting paid for it haha.

On Wednesday went out for dinner with Asano to a Vietnamese restaurant in Ikebukuro. They have an AMAZING dessert that's a ginger shirodama (mochi ball filled with sugared ginger + covered in warm ginger sauce) that made me all warm and cozy heehee. Need to be going back a lot during the winter I think~ After that we went to karaoke and sang (of course) Sweet Vacation songs :D Very good night and can't wait to hang out with her again~

On Thursday we had our company party celebrating the 17th anniversary of it, which was a BLAST. Getting to talk with everyone was a nice change, since our offices are divided by department. Ate too much (and yes mom I got FLAN), laughed too much, and can't wait to hang out with the IT staff again, since I somehow got seated between all of them. Good good times~

On Friday I FINALLY opened a bank account, yay!! They even let me choose the cover of my cheque register, so I got DISNEY heh!! Then got my teiki (unlimited commuter pass), so I have been GREATLY using that for shopping purposes along my line...*cough* Even bought a dresser! Which I am currently putting together, shall post a photo later.



On Saturday ran errands and went to Saturday night service for the first time, which was AWESOME! It's much smaller than the Sunday services, so easier to connect with people. I somehow ended up on welcome team for that too rofl, don't know how this keeps happening. Anyway met some more amazing people there, so excited to be serving. On Sunday had church again and met cool peeps, so enjoying that as well~

Monday was a national holiday (Respect the elderly/aged Day), though I saw nothing promoting it...maybe just me ^^; Anyway did more home/decor shopping then met up with the Yoshida family, who I tutored last year. OH MY GOSH, the kids are getting so big (as big as 2,4 and 5 year olds can be heh)!! Daichi, the youngest, can somewhat talk now so it was SO CUTE when he was like "HELLOOOO" and "NEEECHAN" (big sister) to me. Also loved his accent when he tried to say otoshichatta (oops, i dropped it) while eating ice, but it came out "otattaaaa" XD Shouma (oldest) was like "Let's go home now~" but when his mom explained that meant he needed to say goodbye to me, he was like "Iyadaaa, neechan tomatte ii jan!" (I don't wanna, can't sis just sleep over) haha~ Can't wait to see them again <3

Sep 14, 2010

Happy Anniversary

YAY, happy 1 week anniversary for me & Japan, rofl. I can't believe a week has already passed by, but I'm glad I'm getting into the groove of things. This past week was AMAZING, as I got to see many friends and made some new ones <3 On Tuesday I ran errands then met up with Taka from the Sweet Vacation community for lunch. We then window shopped around Ikebukuro + Shibuya for about 6 hours until the ING anniversary party at club asia. The club was really fun, though being all standing until 11pm did kind of wear me out after all the shopping ^^; HOWEVER, got to see Daichi & finally meet A-bee after working with him for over a year now. Really nice and can't wait to see him again at another event :D After this went home and crashed.

 On Wednesday ran more errands, but it was raining from when I woke up (8am) until I went to pick up Aachan from the airport (7pm), so kind of a dreary day...but getting to see her made it SO much better! We went to Shibuya for dinner at an izakaya then strolled around for a bit~ On Thursday morning we went to Ikebukuro and took purikura heh~ Then she had to leave, so sad ><;; But was very glad to have a sleepover, first one in 2 years!! I then went by my office to drop off some paperwork, but got lost on the way, so took like 45 minutes walking around in 95 degree weather not knowing where I was *sigh* But finally found it, and administration there is amazing, gotta love em~! I then met up with Kei in Ikebukuro and we window shopped + had dinch (since it was 3pm lol). Again, went home and crashed lol.

On Friday I ran more errands and submitted my forms for a gaijin card, which I'll be able to pick up in a couple of weeks. Very looking forward to that, since I need it for buying a regular cellphone plan, opening a bank account, etc. That night I met up with Minami, which was FUNNNNN. We had dinner then went to a cafe for girl talk~ I am very much enjoying being able to speak in Japanenglish to EVERYONE I know, gosh so much easier on my brain.

On Saturday met up with Yohei for lunch and then Asano for SHOPPING DAY in Harajuku :D Spent 8 hours straight doing such, such a girls day haha~ We then met up with Nonogyu-san for a cafe break, and he gave me a Sweet Vacation plate badge, so now I must find something to put it on!! Taka also gave me a badge set, such great gifts kya <3

Sunday I FINALLY got to go back to JLH, and of course it was AMAZING as usual :D I went for the 1pm + 4pm service and had life group in between~ So many new people now, it's exciting but also great to see familiar faces. I have also already somehow been dragged into 4pm welcome team...don't know how that happened, but feels GREAT to be back!!

Yesterday was my first day of work, which went well besides me arriving late...gotta love Tokyo trains ^^; But everyone is really helpful, and I have so much to learn about the company, it's exciting~!! I just hope I can get into the groove of things quickly~ Oh and did I mention I get to take Accounting classes in Japanese starting next month? Gonna get the entry level qualifications for Japan...if I can pass the exam in December that is, heh...hope that goes well.

Sep 6, 2010

I'M HERE

YAY, after a 24 hour day, I'm finally in Tokyoooo :D I didn't even sleep the night before, since I had to leave by 4 to get to my 6:10 flight, so technically I have now been awake for 45 hours straight minus short naps on the plane.

Everything on the flights went well, and I must say I am SOLD on JAL airlines for good - best service EVAR. I got a gluten free meal option, 50+ movie choices and 20+ games on my personal tv >D Was I entertained? Oh yessss!!! And Tamsyn was there to pick me up, so awesome X3 We got my cellphone, which is in fact a white 821SC, which looks MUCH better in person if I do say so myself~ The top has a metallic plaid design, and now it just needs my personalizations (aka phone straps & stickers) heh~ Got my luggage shipped off as well, so should be getting that tomorrow morning between 9 & 12, which means I need to get to sleep soon.

But yes, spent the evening with Mami + Tamsyn, and I am SO excited and blessed to know both of them <3 I have my own key to the apartment, so I feel so special keke~ And if anyone would like my phone email address (or number), just let me know :D

I plan on taking a self-led adventure around the area tomorrow, even though it is DISGUSTINGLY hot ;___; Was 35/95 today and super humid, but the warm front it supposed to move out by the end of this week, so I'm very much looking forward to a Tokyo autumn. Anyway, shall post more coherently after I get some sleep, just wanted to say I'm here safe and sound!!

Aug 23, 2010

1 more...

OH.MY.GOSH.

I just realized I only have one more full weekend left in the US before my trip @__@;
Gosh how to spend it...
This will take some thinking yup!

But based on my last post, I do have some updates. I got antsy and went ahead & looked up all that info XD

luggage delivery: I finally took the time to measure my largest suitcase, and it is in fact the exact limit for the airlines I'll use + the delivery services in Japan, good thing! Since it'll be the largest size, it costs 1790 yen ($21) to ship~ Tamsyn said I can just drop off my carry-on at her place after she picks me up, then we can go hang out until I meet up with Mami :D

sending boxes: unlike Japan, which lets you ship SAL (2 weeks) or Sea (1 month), all USPS has is Priority (3-6 days) or 2-day, so basically they cost an arm & a leg >__>; Their largest box ships 20lb for $50 Priority, so I guess I'll be going with that. Luckily, I ordered a free set of boxes from their site + this means I have another week to figure out what to send (instead of needing to get it out in the mail tomorrow) :D

prepaid phone: After checking Softbank's website, I was able to figure out the charges for all their prepaid phones, and based on that I will be getting the 821SC model in white. Why? Because it's the cheapest ($50), and I'll only be using it for 2 months (until I get my visa/foreigner status ID) after which I can get a regular plan, yay!! And luckily I still have my phone I used last year, which is a black 922SH. Funny thing is you click on that link, the first color choice for the phone is labeled as "Blonds gold," though the correct spelling would be "Bronze gold" - that just made me laugh~ Maybe I should work for Softbank instead...haha. Anyway, just have to make sure I can find the Softbank kiosk after I ship off my luggage~

821SC922SH

Aug 21, 2010

Ticket Finalizations

WHEEEEEEE, I'm on a high right now :D Why you ask? Because:

1) I'm running on a very awkward sleep schedule (slept from 5am-12pm today)

2) I just had chocolate (sugarrrr)

3) I BOUGHT MY TICKETS TO JAPAN

I know I know I'm waiting too long to buy such important things, BUT I did get a great deal, so yay for Japanese travel agents!! I used HIS TRAVEL to book my flight, and since they're Japan-based, it's much cheaper :3

I'll be getting in on Monday the 6th and shall have a week to get adjusted before my work starts on the 13th. I've been doing a LOT of checking on things to make (especially) my first day back an easy transition. For example:

luggage delivery: it's a VERY large pain trying to take huge suitcases on 2 hour long train rides across the city (especially making 2-4 transfers), so I'll be sending me luggage by next day delivery from the airport :D Which means I'll just have to figure out what to do with my carry-on~ And prices are pretty reasonable - about $18-$20 to have it delivered.

prepaid phone: Softbank has 2 kiosks in Narita airport in my arrival terminal, and they both sell prepaid phones, so I will have access to technology as soon as I land, BAM!! I would just use my iPod touch (with skype), but wi-fi isn't as highly used in Tokyo as the US :/ If you'd like me to send you a text message when I land (which'd be around midnight in the US), let me know!!

sending things ahead of time: I'm planning on sending 1-2 boxes ahead of time (aka within the next week) to my address in Japan, so that they'll arrive the same time I do, aka making things easier :D I don't want to send too much though, since buying the daily items I'll need in Tokyo will be an overall cheaper route than shipping (which costs $60-$100 per box, ouch ><;).


And I'm actually very excited about my plane schedule this year. My flight out of Nashville is at 6am = being at the airport before 5 = leaving around 4am = I won't be sleeping the night before, yay :D I plan on just zonking out on my flight to Chicago and then again on the byutiful 13 hour flight to Tokyoooo~

Aug 15, 2010

来週 ~ Next week

ららら来週チケット買いま~す♪
I'm buying my ticket next week♪

けど東京に到着って何曜日がいかしら? ✈
But what day would be best to arrive in Tokyo? ✈

月曜か火曜かどっち?
Which between Monday or Tuesday?

意見プリーズ☺
Opinions please☺

Aug 13, 2010

Coding Post

So it's time to test what different kinds of text will look like on here~~

Why am I making this??


  • To have a great new blog for my Tokyo adventures :D
  • I dont feel like remotely hosting rofl
  • Widgets XDDDD


And who are my fav artists??
  1. w-inds.
  2. B'z
  3. Sweet Vacation
Oh yes :D I love to eat yummyfoods with friends, especially my JLH peeps w00t!! when i blockquote it gets crazy

here is my h3 scream

and a photo to keep you happy, yeah? :D