First Month

Hello everyone!  I probably won't post as often after this :)

Here is the URL for those who want to see it bigger. http://youtu.be/CCSDTShff0Q

Here is a video from my first month in Japan.  I can't tell you how often I want to pick up my video camera so that I can share my observations. I try to refrain a lot. 

Personally, I'm fine.  I'm a little lonely, but because I knew I would be, it kind of makes it easier.   I feel kind of like I just need to pay the due of the first six months so that I can really start enjoying being here. 

One of the worst parts is trying to figure out where on earth I am and how to get where I want to go.  Normally, I would just look for a map, but everything is in Japanese.  I learned two of the Japanese alphabets and they are pretty much useless, because there is so much Kanji in everything!  :)  I spend a lot of time, lost.  Nothing new though, at least I have a good excuse now. 

Two more months and one month down.  They say the first three months is really hard.  :)  I am still nervous a lot in my job, there are classes that I dread and get nervous for every time I teach.  I probably will always have classes that I don't love teaching, but I can't wait for the nerves to settle down.    The days are long.  Not just for me, but for my co-workers as well.  The stereotype that the Japanese work long hours is very true, according to what I have seen so far. They usually stay longer then I do at night because I like to plan at home where I can use my computer. During the week, I work from 8:30-10:30 in the morning until 11:30 or so at night when I go to sleep.  Thanks to the busy week schedule, I am actually able to enjoy my first weekend without the stress of planning. 

It is my goal to travel on the weekends.  I am trying to see as much of Japan as possible, while I'm without friends and plans.

I went to church today.  The service was great and I met a lot of great people.   They are all very friendly and helpful. 

Overall, I feel like I am exactly where I knew I would be at this point. It keeps me content even if things are hard.    I know myself well. :) 

Tune in next month for the Japanese Toilets.  lol. 

Apartment Video/Update

Here is my new apartment!  It is a little too long, but you can skip what you want. :) 

 hahaha! The freeze frame!  Here is the url for those who want to see it bigger. http://youtu.be/HheECRrwLf8

Japan

Here are the good things and bad things. This is my update since my first week. :)

Bad:

I can't do ANYTHING on my own!  I have to help with everything; banking, cell phones, internet, a tailor, shopping...you name it, I need help.  I have never had to ask for so much help in my life! I know it is actually very good for me, but it is a little hard on my independent woman's ego. 

I'm getting kind of sick of rice and fried...whatever.  There isn't much else out there for a quick lunch. 

I'm losing a lot of weight. I don't look unhealthy yet, but none of the 700 dollars I spent in suits and work clothes fit me.  I look like I'm wearing pajamas to work.  Unfortunately, this means that I will have to spend more money, either on clothes or a tailor. 

I'm struggling a bit with teaching the youngins (1-3 year olds).  Some of the classes are Mommy's and babies, and most of them are watching me carefully to see if I will do a good job. It is intimidating! :)  Especially when I'm replacing someone who was amazing at teaching.  I do much better with the older students.

I can't understand a word of Japanese. (I take that back, maybe I understand 50-100 words, which is useless).  This is frustrating because I know a lot more than this. 

I'm working probably 70 hours a week.  I expected this, so it isn't a surprise and only 55-60 is actually spent in the school, there is just a lot of planning to do.

Good: 

The best part is I'm not homesick yet. I still am really enjoying seeing new things and meeting new people.  I love finding similarities and differences between me and the people in this culture. 

I have an award winning bakery shop right around my corner. 

My co-workers and manager are amazing.  There are some things that are hard with working with people of another culture, but I couldn't be placed with nicer, helpful, or more understanding people. They go way out of their way to help me.  Including meeting up with me to go shopping on our day off so that I can find things I need!   They even found a Mexican Restaurant for me! 

I found Japanese lessons that are only around 3 dollars a class!  That is wonderful!

I also (thanks to a friend of Mindy's) found a church here. I have yet to try it though.

I'm losing a lot of weight. lol. 

Random bits of neither good nor bad:

My local phone number is 11 digits long!

I'm really scared I'm going to get sick. I really really don't want to wear one of the masks that all the sick people wear here.

I get stared at a lot.  For the most part it isn't blatant, just people who are curious. Some see me coming and quickly look the other way when I make eye contact, some just stare openly, and some look around nervously like they want to say something.

Training Week in Okayama

This video doesn't have much of Okayama in it.  It is just a week of things that came up Oh yeah, even if Karaoke seems like it would be boring, hang on until Sister Christian.  I've never in my  life, heard anyone sing Karaoke like this.   

http://youtu.be/DVuDJ4ch_JU (For those who want to see it bigger).

I was excited. 

I was confused.

I was frustrated.

I was thoroughly entertained because the people in my group were hilarious. 

Training: Training week was as intense as promised.  There is a lot of information and specific instructions for how each age group is to be taught.   I got a little flustered trying to remember the order of everything.  Being under pressure and having people watch me trying to remember what to say next has never been a strong suit for me :)  Thankfully, in spite of not doing as well as I would have liked to have done, I know that I'll be a great teacher once I pick it up!

Personally:  I'm doing well!  I'm in the honeymoon stage where everything is exciting and fun.  The fact that I have no idea what anyone is saying, or what the products are, or why anyone would eat fish and nuts is all part of the experience. 

More videos to come!  I will get my new apartment up soon. :)