May 31st - Closing the door

I've finished my month of photos. And I am very happy for that. So, cross off #46 - Take a photo a day for 30 days. I actually did 31. Superoverachiever.




These are my sliding doors in my apartment. I love these little touches and will miss them back in the States.

May 30th - Union Besta

Here's my grocery store that is a block away. It's where I regularly knock over old people and small children trying to avoid boxes on the floor and navigating the one-person-wide aisles. But I love it. Open 24 hours! They have a catchy little song that goes something about "Okinawa...blah blah blah ... blah blah blah... Union Besta." It plays constantly and now I have it in my head.

May 29th - Packing it in

It's time to start thinking about what to ship home, what to keep here, and what should just be tossed. I'm in the process of packing boxes and worrying about how much all of this is going to cost me. But the sight of boxes makes me happy!

May 28th - Where I live

Not really. But a good portion of my days are spent at the sports center.

May 27th - Beachbums

Finally! A beautiful, hot, sunny day that wasn't spent at school! Bridgit and I headed to the beach for some classic people-watching. I'm paying the price right now as my back already hurts and my legs are all blotchy and weird from the sun. But I will become golden brown. I will. I WILL.

May 26th - Mihama at night

Since I had my camera on me this evening, I snapped this quick (and not very good) picture of Mihama Village in Chatan. (American Village) It's always a bustling place with shops, Starbucks, and street performances. And the ferris wheel (that problem phrase again) is the centerpiece of the whole deal.

May 25th - TGIATEOM

Thank Goodness It's Almost The End Of May!

I am running out of pictures! And I am tired of carrying my camera around! Today's shot is of the sannensei's yearbook that appeared on my desk the other day. It weighs at least 7 pounds (and I am not being overly dramatic) and is massive! It contains their "professional" school shot (which usually includes the peace sign) and then another shot of them alone or with friends, etc. Today they were shooting pictures for the third years this year and I saw boys walking around in skirts, ski masks, among other things. I am sick of the professional photographers wandering around, though. They take pictures of everything! Apparently all of these photos are given to the homerooms and they decide which photos will ultimately go into the book. I'm pretty sure the two men taking pictures are employed only by Chatan High School to take photos.

Also in this shot is the DVD case given to me by the principal. (See other blog update)

Book #7 - "The Name of the Rose"

This was another book that Ken was kind enough to throw my way. This book by Umberto Eco has quite the following among the literary community. It's a mystery novel set in a 14th century abbey and besides the usual "whodunit," there's a ton of theological information, historical problems in the Church, and overall it is a fairly dense read. I read it quickly (loads of free time at school, remember?) and will admit that I skimmed bits because I found myself getting a bit bored. The actual murder stuff was interesting... I could have done less with the blah blahing for the other stuff. "It was just okay for me, dawg."

May 24th - Classroom Snapshot

A quick photo from the presentations today. Check my other blog for more! :)

May 23rd - Classic timing

When I left for lunch there was a nice refreshing mist falling on my umbrella.



By the time I got home, I had faced a slanting downpour that soaked only the front of my shorts. Painful. It wasn't even supposed to rain today. The photo doesn't do justice to the soaked nature of my pants and spirit.

May 22nd - Man down!

I knew it would happen someday. As always, I did my laundry while it was nice and sunny at 6:30 am and then by mid-morning it became gusty and cloudy. By the time I got home at lunch, this poor T-shirt had been swept down to the neighbor's roof. I'm actually surprised that this hasn't happened before. Wonder if it will be returned...



Thankfully, it's just a workout shirt and would just be left behind in July anyways.

May 21st - Stampin' the days away

Today I took a quick photo of my attendance record at school. I have to use my little inkan (name stamp) each day to sign in. While it is always fun to stamp things, it is even better to see the days get crossed off each morning. When it is the end of June, this sheet will be completely full. I can't wait for that moment!

May 20th - Refreshment

Today Bridgit and I got on base at Camp Courtney for a pet adoption event. Bridgit has been a foster home for three tiny 8 week old kittens and today she attempted to adopt them out to Americans living on base. There were loads of cute little puppies and Bridgit did find a home for one of her kittens. We did our research ahead of our visit and found out there was a Taco Bell (and later saw a Dunkin' Donuts cup). Unfortunately, these places were on a different part of Camp Courtney that we couldn't visit. So we made ourselves happy with Subway, pizza, and my favorite--- Gatorade. It doesn't take much to make me happy these days. :)

May 19th - Mr. Donut

Mr. Donut is one of the only places in Japan where you can get free refills on coffee. Mind you, the actual coffee itself still costs almost $3. Bridgit and I have concluded that they put some sort of drug in their cafe au lait because within minutes of sipping, there is a definite buzz and then eventually sickness...followed by a crash of monumental proportions. Of course this doesn't stop us from enjoying the place. I have to collect points on my Mr. Donut card so I can get a little lion stuffed animal before I leave this island.

Bridgit and I have also watched a lot of "America's Next Top Model." Hence, the posing.

May 18th - Neutrality is the best policy

I know of a few JETs who are counting down the days until departure in every imaginable way. (I might be in this group. Ha.) You know the stuff --- How many weekends? How many days at school? How many elementary visits? How many classes? I know that my leg is practically shaking all day in anticipation of leaving. That doesn't mean that I'm not terrified of having to start over again, but at least people will speak English this time!

The other day our PA sent us our forms to fill out for our successors. I remember when I found out that I was placed in Okinawa, I started crying. I was inconsolable. I was a baby. But, maybe I should have listened to my gut instead of getting swept away with the fever of moving to Japan and all the exciting stuff leading up to departure. I remember checking my email hourly to find out where in Okinawa I was placed... waiting to hear from my predecessor so I could ask a thousand questions. Talking to Bridgit in Wisconsin about how terrible Okinawa could be... And of course, the whole Ken/separation bit. It was an interesting time.

So as I fill out my paperwork, I have to wonder if the person being sent to Okinawa to take my place is like me, disappointed in the placement and on the fence about whether to go or not, or totally gung-ho with the whole idea. I hope for the latter for his/her sake. I am remaining neutral in the paperwork. Honest, but not overly pro-Okinawa like most ALTs or revealing how much I dislike the island. It is strange to think about someone else using everything in my apartment that I picked out. (For this reason, I hope they send a girl... pink curtains? Oops!)

I feel like this is a post that should go on my regular website but many more people read that one and I don't want my successor to stumble across it just yet. Although I guess all of the other entries might point to some unhappiness, like the Skip Okinawa T-shirt. Ha.

May 17th - Let's enjoy life

Okay, I'll admit it. I forgot to take a picture today and then decided that I had to have something kind of cute to take a picture of in my apartment. This is a kawaii little plate and matching towel that I bought in Hiroshima when shopping with Laura. I love it, even though Ken thinks it's childish. This is the kind of stuff I will be stocking up on soon and mailing home. This is the land of cute. They try to kill you with cuteness... It's a defense mechanism. Also, the use of "Let's..." is extremely popular. Let's learn English! Let's enjoy Christmas card making! Let's eat Pocky! Let's eat food off of tiny little plates with mushrooms! Let's love mushrooms!

#64 - Visit another island in the Okinawa chain

I went to Miyako. That counts. I should really visit some of the other closer islands. Hm.

#18 - Watch a TV series that is new to me

Thanks to some secret websites, I watched "Weeds" and "Entourage" last month regularly. I'm one of those types who has never had HBO or Showtime or Bravo or any of the exciting channels. I have to say that of the two, I enjoyed "Weeds" more, but both got a bit old at times. I was going to try for "The Sopranos" but it has proven too lofty as of now (and the website hasn't been working very well lately). I have also watched plenty of other shows including 10 episodes of Michael Palin traveling around the world, am currently in a Gilmore Girls mood, and have watched almost all of Season 1 of "Ugly Betty." I have to say, I wasn't a fan of Betty at first, but after about three episodes I grew to really love it and wish the rest of the season would work. (I might even pay money on iTunes to finish the season, but that would be fairly drastic.)

I get "Heroes" on AFN and I just can't get into it. What am I missing?!

May 16th - Construction on speed

Last week this was our old teacher building. Apparently there are no unions to drag things out. Amazing how much the construction changes from day to day.

May 15th - The price of clean clothes

The Japanese are gluttons for punishment. One of the ways they enjoy their martyrdom is by refusing to have dryers for their clothes. Although I appreciate saving electricity and energy as much as the next person, there are times (like, say, RAINY season) when you might want to avoid hanging your laundry outside. Although I try to look at the weather forecasts to strategically do my laundry, there have been many times when my laundry ends up just as wet as when it was in the washer. And on the third floor, it can get superbreezy and I am still waiting for a pair of my underwear to land in my neighbor's garden.

May 11th - 14th

May 11th - Dinner on Miyakojima and some yummy beni imo tempura! Oishii desu. They love their beni imo (sweet potatos of the bright purple variety) everywhere in Okinawa, but especially in Miyako.



May 12th - A beautiful day on the white sand beach in Miyako. And no jellyfish sightings!



May 13th - The German castle of Miyako. Don't ask. It was completely lame and just plain weird. And no lederhausen or bratwurst or even any pretzels.



May 14th - I went to the grocery store on my way home with Bridgit today and went to one of the check-out ladies that is always there. I didn't have my tote with and the lady crammed everything into one bag. That would NEVER happen with the average customer. Prior to my experiment, I would have left with at least 7 bags.

Book #6 - Drum Roll....

"WAR AND PEACE"

I've done it! I have conquered 1358 pages of heavy bookness. And although my arms could hardly make the journey back and forth to school with it, I am prepared to give it "masterpiece" standing.

Why is this book so long? The scope of the story is vast. There are 500 characters (although obviously most are minor) and Tolstoy leaves no details unattended to. It is a remarkable achievement, not only for Tolstoy to write it, but for me to finish it! :) Just like "Anna Karenina," I felt like I was truly Russian reading this book. The imagery is crystal clear and he captures human emotions and thoughts realistically. The characters are unbelievable from Pierre to Prince Andrey to Natasha to Nikolay... The book chronicles the years 1812 and 1813 as Napoleon invades Russia, ultimately reaching Moscow and his doom caused by Russia's "scorched earth" policy.

And big congrats to Ken for finishing it as well! (And a day before me too... he had to push me through the epilogue because I was ready to quit.)

May 10th - I'd like a side of snouts with that

Just when I was wondering what in the world I would take a picture of today...

May 9th - Oishii desu ne

I love PUCCA chocolate.

P - Pretzely goodness
U - Uberfishy shape
C - Chocolatey center
C - Craving control
A - Awesomely great times biting off fish heads

May 8th - An Oki Day

It was absolutely gorgeous today... as shown by this picture of what I saw as I walked out my door this morning. The perfect mixture of sunshine, warmth, and a cooling wind. I decided to bypass the gym this afternoon and make a trip to the faraway supermarket instead .... It was a beautiful walk and although I didn't take a ton of pictures, I did grab one or two.



I have been meaning to snap a picture of this house for a long time. I absolutely love it with its lime green art deco touches... and it has this weird geometric green box suspended above it. Unfortunately the sun wouldn't cooperate, so it's a pretty bad photo, but maybe you can get the idea.



Melon season, right? Well for 980 yen (about $9), I'm going to pass. I'll wait until I can gorge in America.

May 7th - Office Space

It didn't rain today, but nothing was very inspiring as I meandered my way to school...

I had some "grading" to do and I thought these were worth taking a photo of. The first shows a typical entry...actually a bit above the normal work. Typical sentences include "I was exciting" and "It berry interest." They've had English since kindergarten and they're in their third year of high school. Hm. I found the second one quite amusing (and a bit of a display of overachieving...rare at Chatan) especially since boys and girls won't even talk to each other in class. I can't even imagine the flirtations that go on afterhours. And finally, my new desk in all its glory.

May 6th - Rain rain rain rain rain

It was supposed to be a glorious four day weekend with plenty of exciting Golden Week events. Instead, the whole thing was a wash. And it isn't even rainy season until later in the week. A view from my apartment on this lovely Sunday afternoon. At least there isn't a downpour for the moment.



Since I can't post any beautiful pictures, here's a little taste of life in Okinawa. There is constantly moisture in the air. I've had a futon go moldy on me despite attempts to keep it dry and sporefree. I've heard that once the rainy season truly begins, nothing will dry out for about a month. There are some great products that attempt to conquer humidity/mold within the house. These babies can be purchased for cheap and although you can't see it very well, they have little beads of something in the top section of the plastic and miraculously take moisture from the air which condenses in the bottom half. These are indispensable in my shoe cupboard and my closets.



I bought the top one (full of water) just a couple of weeks ago and the bottom one last week. I'm going to need to invest in some more since there will be plenty of rainy days to come. *Sigh* I truly hope to take some more interesting photos in this 30 day experiment. C'mon, May. Get it together.

May 5th - A gift from heaven

At our zoo day, I was enjoying my lunch of onigiri, grapes, and some cookies. I love these "Manna" cookies. They're normal and I think they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and calcium galore. And maybe they are for babies. That might be why there is a picture of a small Japanese person on the box. Quote of the day as Yasuko observed my eating habits: "My little children really like those cookies." (With a hint of "you crazy gaijin...those are for BABIES!") I had to convince her that they taste good and she refused to give them a nibble. And then she was shocked that I liked something not overly sweet like all those American cookies.

May 4th - Nihonglish

I love these T-shirts. Unfortunately they didn't have my size. I will definitely be buying some before I get home, though.

May 3rd - Tour de Okinawa

I took a ton of pictures today and will write more about my day on my real blog. For now, here's a picture from a pink lily garden that is essentially just the backyard of a very greenthumbish couple. They have opened their land to the public. I don't think they get foreigners very often although a couple of people there spoke great English and a little old lady on a tour bus attempted to speak English. She was so proud of herself. It was cute.

May 2nd - Picnic Day

Today we headed to the Okinawa Zoo for a picnic day. The highlight was a Tug of War game that sadly didn't last very long.

May 1st - Blisters prevail

One of my things to get done is to take a picture a day for a month. Carly has attempted it (and I don't think she has succeeded yet), so I figured I should try over here in Okinawa before my life becomes dull and monotonous. Unfortunately, today it was rainy and I didn't want to venture out with my camera, so I took a picture of my feet. Yep. And my new shoes. Last summer and fall I wore flip flops constantly and I think the toil is going to make me a permanent fixture at the local podiatrist office. Besides the fact that they offer no support, they also had no traction and the sidewalks get uberslippery when it's rainy out here. I have a great purple scar on my knee to attest to this fact. In my desperation to have shoes that wouldn't make me fall on my bum every day it's raining and to hopefully prevent any more injuries, I decided that I might have to buy some Birkenstocks and pay out the nose. Having a size 9 1/2 foot makes buying women shoes an impossibility as the XL don't even fit. Thankfully yesterday the sky cleared and as I was passing a shoe store on my walk to the 100 yen store (new nail polish!), I found these men's shoes that I think are perfectly suited towards my female feet. And for only $16!



I have some red marks and the beginning of blisters... The other numerous bandaids are from all of the other permanent damage caused by every other pair of shoes that I own. Here's to Texcy shoes. May they get me through three months of humid, wet, sunburning weather. (Great tanlines ahead)

In other 101 news, I am finally approaching page 1000 in War and Peace and just started studying for the math portion of the GRE today. It has been too long. I could handle the ratios bit, but anything beyond that is a stretch.