Wednesday, December 27, 2006
P.S.
It has been silent because I have been trying to spend and enjoy as much time with Danny as possible. There are certainly been enough happening to write about, I just haven't. :) I know you all understand.
The Car
I said there were a lot of updates to make, so here is another. Danny and I went through a week long fiasco trying to get new tires on the car. The autoport here or in Yokosuka wouldn't do it, so we tried to find a place in town. The first place we went to was call Eneos. They are a gas station and tire place. The put brand new tires on the front, but the back is what really needed it. After being there for over an hour and a half, we had to go find another place. They said there was a rusty bold and it could only be removed by a tire place. So we drove up and down 16 (that is the road that connects Yokohama to Yokosuka) trying to find one. We went to one and they said they didn't have the tires we needed so we kept driving. Stopped by another tire place and they told us the same thing, so we went home.
Later we saw one that did tires and they ordered our tires for us. I took the car in for an appointment a few days later. They also said they couldn't remove the bolt (we had been told by Eneos that a tire place would have the right tools to remove it). Finally I just bought the tires and went down to Yokosuka to talk to some people who spoke English. That is what made this whole fiasco so much more difficult- we don't speak Japanese!
Anyway, the autoport said they could remove it, but they couldn't put our tires on. After Danny talked to them again they said they would take it off and replace it with a new one. THEN, they found out their bolts were the wrong size and refered us to a place in town in Yokosuka called Kanagawa Tire. We went there and the guy told us the bolt had been rounded off by people trying to remove it and that it was a special bolt that only the dealership could remove. By then it was 5 pm and we just wanted to go home.
I don't remember exactly when we went at it again, but Danny found a location of an English speaking Nissan dealership in Yokohama. We found it and talked to them. They said they could take it off but our car wouldn't be done until 4 pm (it was 11 or 1130), but they said if we went to the dealership near our house it could be quicker. So we drove back to Negishi and to the dealership. They got our car in as soon as they could and worked very hard to remove the bolt. They finally got it off and didn't have to bust it. In the process of putting the new tires on they replaced 8 bolts. They aren't the exact ones that were on the car before, but they were good enough.
So after a week of much frustration and spending as much money on new tires as we spent on the car to begin with, we finally got new tires on the car. We wanted to drive to Yokota, but couldn't drive on the freeway with the bad tires and, well, couldn't find it. One day, we got so lost we were in Tokyo. That was a frustrating time, but that is a story for another day!
Later we saw one that did tires and they ordered our tires for us. I took the car in for an appointment a few days later. They also said they couldn't remove the bolt (we had been told by Eneos that a tire place would have the right tools to remove it). Finally I just bought the tires and went down to Yokosuka to talk to some people who spoke English. That is what made this whole fiasco so much more difficult- we don't speak Japanese!
Anyway, the autoport said they could remove it, but they couldn't put our tires on. After Danny talked to them again they said they would take it off and replace it with a new one. THEN, they found out their bolts were the wrong size and refered us to a place in town in Yokosuka called Kanagawa Tire. We went there and the guy told us the bolt had been rounded off by people trying to remove it and that it was a special bolt that only the dealership could remove. By then it was 5 pm and we just wanted to go home.
I don't remember exactly when we went at it again, but Danny found a location of an English speaking Nissan dealership in Yokohama. We found it and talked to them. They said they could take it off but our car wouldn't be done until 4 pm (it was 11 or 1130), but they said if we went to the dealership near our house it could be quicker. So we drove back to Negishi and to the dealership. They got our car in as soon as they could and worked very hard to remove the bolt. They finally got it off and didn't have to bust it. In the process of putting the new tires on they replaced 8 bolts. They aren't the exact ones that were on the car before, but they were good enough.
So after a week of much frustration and spending as much money on new tires as we spent on the car to begin with, we finally got new tires on the car. We wanted to drive to Yokota, but couldn't drive on the freeway with the bad tires and, well, couldn't find it. One day, we got so lost we were in Tokyo. That was a frustrating time, but that is a story for another day!
Our Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone. Hope you all had a great one. It was sad being away from home, but Danny and I enjoyed having our first Christmas together and making our own traditions and memories. The tree was in the house and very bare for a while, so it was great when Danny came home so we could decorate. I am putting pictures at the end for you to see. We exchanged gifts to each other on the 23rd. Wanted to do it on Christmas eve, but Danny had watch so I went to go pick him up at 8 on Christmas. When we got home we opened presents while sitting on the floor. We tried to get Mocha to unwrap (attack) stuff, but she just wouldn't do it no matter how much catnip was involved. That night I made my very first all-Lori Christmas dinner. I bake two pre-smoked Turkey drumsticks, as well as making greenbean casserole, potatoes (from box) and gravy (from package), stuffing (from box), rolls (from roll) and apple pie (from can). So, despite all the "premade-ness" it turned out well. I didn't want to spend all day in the kitchen, so it worked out perfect for the two of us. We still have turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole in the fridge. Oh, and half an apple pie.
There are many, many other things to write about, but I am trying to keep this post on topic. I will write more again soon. Ryen is flying in to Japan tomorrow afternoon, so I will have to take an insanely long and lonely train ride to Narita to pick her up.
Here is the pictures:
There are many, many other things to write about, but I am trying to keep this post on topic. I will write more again soon. Ryen is flying in to Japan tomorrow afternoon, so I will have to take an insanely long and lonely train ride to Narita to pick her up.
Here is the pictures:
Monday, December 18, 2006
English lessons
I had my second trial lesson today at one o'clock. It is now three and Kosuke (the owner of the school) just called and told me that she wants to continue lessons because she really liked me. The other woman is still thinking because she was looking for a older teacher and I told her that one was my first time, so she is a little nervous about it. I had to be honest with her. Anyway, I get to start regular lessons with Chihiro after Christmas. Yay!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Sorry
I know, I know. Its been a long time since I've posted. With Danny just being home I hope you all understand. We both have been a little under the weather and quite lazy.
Yesterday, I slept from noon to three after we got home and Danny slept til between 4 and 5. It was his day off, but we had to go to the hospital because he was getting the lump removed from his head. (They call it a wen) It only took about 30 minutes and didn't seem to hurt him, but the thing was on a blood vessel so he bled a bit and they wrapped his head so he looked like a injured soldier from the civil war. It was really quite funny. He also got two stiches. The doctor shaved his hair off where he cut, so last night I shaved all his hair off so he didn't look too funny. At least he won't have the bump anymore. It was small, but easier to have it off.
The ship Christmas party was wednesday. Danny made a big fuss at first about going, but it wasn't bad. Buffet style food and a gift raffle. Danny was like the 4th person drawn, but he picked the 72 hour liberty and put it back. Someone else can use it more and the officers are encouraged to leave it for other people anyway. I wanted the television. Maybe next year!
Speaking of Christmas, and to answer all your questions Grandma, we did get the tree decorated. We did it on monday night after dinner. We put the first ornament on together, which was the "first christmas" one Tracy sent us (thank you Tracy). It was really cute. So he put on the ornaments from his childhood and I put on the ones I bought at a store here. The tree is full and we didn't even put them all on, but the back is empty. Danny really crammed them on there too. It looks beautiful though and I took lots of pictures. I will put those up later. We also took pictures with Mocha and, no, she hasn't knocked over the tree. She just wraps her toy around the branches 30 million times. Danny says she just wants to decorate the tree, but I take the toy away for a while.
Our tree has presents under it and looks very festive now. Of course, Danny hasn't wrapped my present yet, but I already know what it is 'cause I picked it out in Hong Kong. I think we are being pretty frugal with Christmas and that is a good thing. I just can't wait for Christmas day.
PS. I wanted to let Cheryl know (if Dad or Grandma read this, please pass it on) that we got both packages-theirs and the one from Julie- and I cried when Danny opened it. He was perplexed why we got marshmellows, a sweet potato, canned green beans and french fried onions, but I understood pretty quickly and it made me cry. Thank you for that. I am excited to make at least the green bean casserole.
Other news: I had my first English lesson today. In fact, I just got home about half an hour ago. We met at Starbucks, which wasn't the best place because it was so noisy. I hope the lesson went well. I was so nervous and there was definitely a communication barrier there, but I hope that she will continue having lessons with me and I will get better at this. It was just a trial lesson, so she may decide that she needs a different and more experianced teacher, but now that I've met her it may be better next time. I have another lesson on monday (I try to plan these for Danny's duty days). I feel a little more prepared, but still extremely nervous. Wish me luck.
We hope to have Kana and Yuichi over for dinner this weekend. She just told me she is sick and her voice sounds like a man. Yes, those were her words. I couldn't help but laugh, but I feel bad for her too. Hopefully she will be better before sunday. I want to make dinner and have a nice evening.
Danny is home early morning tomorrow. I am alone tonight. Sad, but I am getting used to it. Goodnight everyone.
Yesterday, I slept from noon to three after we got home and Danny slept til between 4 and 5. It was his day off, but we had to go to the hospital because he was getting the lump removed from his head. (They call it a wen) It only took about 30 minutes and didn't seem to hurt him, but the thing was on a blood vessel so he bled a bit and they wrapped his head so he looked like a injured soldier from the civil war. It was really quite funny. He also got two stiches. The doctor shaved his hair off where he cut, so last night I shaved all his hair off so he didn't look too funny. At least he won't have the bump anymore. It was small, but easier to have it off.
The ship Christmas party was wednesday. Danny made a big fuss at first about going, but it wasn't bad. Buffet style food and a gift raffle. Danny was like the 4th person drawn, but he picked the 72 hour liberty and put it back. Someone else can use it more and the officers are encouraged to leave it for other people anyway. I wanted the television. Maybe next year!
Speaking of Christmas, and to answer all your questions Grandma, we did get the tree decorated. We did it on monday night after dinner. We put the first ornament on together, which was the "first christmas" one Tracy sent us (thank you Tracy). It was really cute. So he put on the ornaments from his childhood and I put on the ones I bought at a store here. The tree is full and we didn't even put them all on, but the back is empty. Danny really crammed them on there too. It looks beautiful though and I took lots of pictures. I will put those up later. We also took pictures with Mocha and, no, she hasn't knocked over the tree. She just wraps her toy around the branches 30 million times. Danny says she just wants to decorate the tree, but I take the toy away for a while.
Our tree has presents under it and looks very festive now. Of course, Danny hasn't wrapped my present yet, but I already know what it is 'cause I picked it out in Hong Kong. I think we are being pretty frugal with Christmas and that is a good thing. I just can't wait for Christmas day.
PS. I wanted to let Cheryl know (if Dad or Grandma read this, please pass it on) that we got both packages-theirs and the one from Julie- and I cried when Danny opened it. He was perplexed why we got marshmellows, a sweet potato, canned green beans and french fried onions, but I understood pretty quickly and it made me cry. Thank you for that. I am excited to make at least the green bean casserole.
Other news: I had my first English lesson today. In fact, I just got home about half an hour ago. We met at Starbucks, which wasn't the best place because it was so noisy. I hope the lesson went well. I was so nervous and there was definitely a communication barrier there, but I hope that she will continue having lessons with me and I will get better at this. It was just a trial lesson, so she may decide that she needs a different and more experianced teacher, but now that I've met her it may be better next time. I have another lesson on monday (I try to plan these for Danny's duty days). I feel a little more prepared, but still extremely nervous. Wish me luck.
We hope to have Kana and Yuichi over for dinner this weekend. She just told me she is sick and her voice sounds like a man. Yes, those were her words. I couldn't help but laugh, but I feel bad for her too. Hopefully she will be better before sunday. I want to make dinner and have a nice evening.
Danny is home early morning tomorrow. I am alone tonight. Sad, but I am getting used to it. Goodnight everyone.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Guess what!!
For those of you who didn't know, Danny is home. Yay!! I am so excited about spending our first Christmas together.
I'll try to post again soon.
I'll try to post again soon.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Video
Okay, so following the conversation about what our cat will eat and talking with my mother-in-law about Japanese food, I had to post this for all who hadn't seen it yet. It is really funny.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Car problems
The back two tires on our new car are pretty bad and I have been told on multiple occasions that they need to be replaced. The back left tire has a slow leak, so everytime I want to drive it, I have to go to the autoport and get more air in the tire. Of course I can only do this when they are open, which is very limited hours on tuesday and friday. They told me that they can't replace my tires because their machines are not right for the tires I need. I don't know what it is all about, but the point is they can't/won't do it. So when I went to Yokosuka today to get groceries (their commissary is much larger than ours) I stopped by the Autoport there. Turns out they won't do them either!
It is a real big pain. Now we will have to go into town to get them done which isn't (hopefully) a huge hassle, but it will probably be more expensive. Everything in Japan is expensive. Just kinda frustrated by this whole thing. I am waiting til Danny gets home to get this taken care of, but when he comes in I have to pick him up and he will have to take the car everyday (once he gets his license) because the home-to-work bus doesn't run on holiday standdown because most people don't have to go to work everyday but Danny does. I am concerned about the car because I don't know how much longer this is going to work and how soon we can get it fixed. Of course I am worried about our safety cause the tire could blow at any moment while driving down the road at 60 km/h!
It is a real big pain. Now we will have to go into town to get them done which isn't (hopefully) a huge hassle, but it will probably be more expensive. Everything in Japan is expensive. Just kinda frustrated by this whole thing. I am waiting til Danny gets home to get this taken care of, but when he comes in I have to pick him up and he will have to take the car everyday (once he gets his license) because the home-to-work bus doesn't run on holiday standdown because most people don't have to go to work everyday but Danny does. I am concerned about the car because I don't know how much longer this is going to work and how soon we can get it fixed. Of course I am worried about our safety cause the tire could blow at any moment while driving down the road at 60 km/h!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Funny
We have a truely Japanese cat. I just found out tonight that she likes miso soup paste. How weird is that?
Just wanted to let you all know that my email is not working. Usually when they are doing maintainence the page comes up telling you so. This morning, I just get the message from Firefox or internet explorer telling me that "this page cannot be displayed". I am not sure what is going on, but I'll try to tell you when it is up again.
UPDATE: Hey all, my email is FINALLY back!
UPDATE: Hey all, my email is FINALLY back!
Just one picture
Mindy sent this to my email the other day and I wanted to share it with you because it is so cute. It is her, Christine and I in the hotel in Hong Kong. It may look like a nice hotel from the lobby, but it really wasn't that great.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Job
Many of you have been asking about how my job search is going. There wasn't much happening until today. A week ago I went to Yokosuka and got what you would call a "family stamp". Is an engraved stamp made of glass that has your family name on it. I wrote down my name in English and the people working at the store translate it into katakana which is a form of Japanese writing that is used for foreign words. I need that to get a bank account.
I was told by the school that I needed a bank account with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi or a percentage of my wages would be taken out to send it to a different bank. So on thursday I opened an account. It was very difficult because I don't read or speak (much) Japanese and they don't speak much English. It all worked out okay though.
Then I went to the legal office. They told me that military and dependents technically need a working visa to teach in Japan. I was told that most employers are willing to look past this though. I sent all this information to the school and waited many days to hear back. I was getting anxious because I was told I could have a trial lesson with a student and wanted to get started as soon as possible.
Today, I finally got an email back. The man who runs the school told me there was still a student available and I would have to meet them at a train station. Working without a visa isn't legal and it isn't illegal. So instead of being "employed" I am "joining them". This also aleviates the need to take 20% taxes out of my paycheck. Even though I will recieve money from the school, it is as if it is coming directly from the student. I am really happy that he was willing to work with me and I am excited about getting started, but I am still so nervous because I have never done this before. I will get paid 2,000 yen (about $20) for 60 minutes and likely have a lesson once a week.
The elementary school keeps bugging me. I turned in my application and it was sent to the main office in Japan, but apperently there is something missing. I just haven't bothered to take the time to walk over there yet. I am so tired of going through all this shit for one part time job. Government jobs are ridiculous. Anyway, I'll go over there eventually and try to work it all out. Unfortunately, I think I know what is missing and I don't know all the information to complete it.
Well, wish me luck!
I was told by the school that I needed a bank account with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi or a percentage of my wages would be taken out to send it to a different bank. So on thursday I opened an account. It was very difficult because I don't read or speak (much) Japanese and they don't speak much English. It all worked out okay though.
Then I went to the legal office. They told me that military and dependents technically need a working visa to teach in Japan. I was told that most employers are willing to look past this though. I sent all this information to the school and waited many days to hear back. I was getting anxious because I was told I could have a trial lesson with a student and wanted to get started as soon as possible.
Today, I finally got an email back. The man who runs the school told me there was still a student available and I would have to meet them at a train station. Working without a visa isn't legal and it isn't illegal. So instead of being "employed" I am "joining them". This also aleviates the need to take 20% taxes out of my paycheck. Even though I will recieve money from the school, it is as if it is coming directly from the student. I am really happy that he was willing to work with me and I am excited about getting started, but I am still so nervous because I have never done this before. I will get paid 2,000 yen (about $20) for 60 minutes and likely have a lesson once a week.
The elementary school keeps bugging me. I turned in my application and it was sent to the main office in Japan, but apperently there is something missing. I just haven't bothered to take the time to walk over there yet. I am so tired of going through all this shit for one part time job. Government jobs are ridiculous. Anyway, I'll go over there eventually and try to work it all out. Unfortunately, I think I know what is missing and I don't know all the information to complete it.
Well, wish me luck!
Update, again
Aaahh, I am still getting over those comments she made. She continued to write terrible stuff to me and then got mad I wrote her back. I can't just let her say crap about me and let me walk over me. I gotta stand up for myself. Anyway, I hope this is the end of it. I am ready for it to be done. I though I escaped the drama in high school, but apperenly some people carry it in to their late 20s and for the rest of their lives. I almost feel sorry for them, but because I am on the recieving end, it is very difficult. It is going to take me a long time to forgive her for what she has done. I haven't drug other people into it though. We have mutual friends and they really don't know what is going on. If they do, it isn't because I told them. I know better than that and I really hope she does too. I really do think people like me and they aren't just acting like they do just for the fun of it.
Thank you for your love. It makes me feel better, but I have a long way to go.
Thank you for your love. It makes me feel better, but I have a long way to go.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
I totally forgot
Somedays, I just forget we have a blog. Sorry to all those of you who check everyday and there is nothing new. There isn't much to write about in life so no reason to write a new blog.
Sometimes, things only seem to get worse around here. Danny says he feels like the little dutch boy with his finger in the dike keeping the water back. There is more and more crap happening everyday and I am sure he is pretty tired of dealing with it.
Things aren't much better on land either. I am finding out that Navy wives aren't any better than anyone else out there and I have apperently made friends with the wrong people. I think a gal took my comments the wrong way 'cause now she has told me that I am too negative (basically implying that I hate life and have no respect for the wonderful things I have) and wants nothing to do with me- which is okay because I don't want to be "friends" with someone who hates me. The thing that makes me angry is that, 1, she doesn't even know me and has no grounds to make judgements about who I really am, and 2, that she has made me question who I am. I am, if you haven't figured it out already, a very sensitive person. I am crushed because she completely exploded at me and I am mad that she has the power to do that to me. She makes me feel like I am a terrible person with no feelings who cares about no one but myself and lives to complain to people. I know I have my negative moments, but I am no better or no worse than anyone else in this world. I love my life, I love my husband, I love my family, I love my friends and I love the opportunites that I have been given. Many people never get the chance to do the things that I do and I want to take full advantage of that.
While I am crushed now, when I put myself back together and regain my dignity I will not be afraid to tell her that although she may get joy in attempting to ruin other people's lives, I am stronger because I know who I am and I will not be pushed around by people like her. For now, I will "nurse my wounds" in solitude.
UPDATE: She wrote to me again. I wrote her back but hope I never hear from her again. I don't think I am any better than her and understand I can be negative at times, but I am more of a optimistic pessimist in a fun sort of way. I don't live my life to complain. I just hope that she has some sort of excuse for her obsurd behavior.
Sometimes, things only seem to get worse around here. Danny says he feels like the little dutch boy with his finger in the dike keeping the water back. There is more and more crap happening everyday and I am sure he is pretty tired of dealing with it.
Things aren't much better on land either. I am finding out that Navy wives aren't any better than anyone else out there and I have apperently made friends with the wrong people. I think a gal took my comments the wrong way 'cause now she has told me that I am too negative (basically implying that I hate life and have no respect for the wonderful things I have) and wants nothing to do with me- which is okay because I don't want to be "friends" with someone who hates me. The thing that makes me angry is that, 1, she doesn't even know me and has no grounds to make judgements about who I really am, and 2, that she has made me question who I am. I am, if you haven't figured it out already, a very sensitive person. I am crushed because she completely exploded at me and I am mad that she has the power to do that to me. She makes me feel like I am a terrible person with no feelings who cares about no one but myself and lives to complain to people. I know I have my negative moments, but I am no better or no worse than anyone else in this world. I love my life, I love my husband, I love my family, I love my friends and I love the opportunites that I have been given. Many people never get the chance to do the things that I do and I want to take full advantage of that.
While I am crushed now, when I put myself back together and regain my dignity I will not be afraid to tell her that although she may get joy in attempting to ruin other people's lives, I am stronger because I know who I am and I will not be pushed around by people like her. For now, I will "nurse my wounds" in solitude.
UPDATE: She wrote to me again. I wrote her back but hope I never hear from her again. I don't think I am any better than her and understand I can be negative at times, but I am more of a optimistic pessimist in a fun sort of way. I don't live my life to complain. I just hope that she has some sort of excuse for her obsurd behavior.
Friday, December 01, 2006
I have to rant...
Okay, I don't do this too often so I have to take my chance to complain. Skype sucks. I can't call anyone on their landline phone and no one can call me. Well, technically they can but neither of us can understand the other. Why am I wasting money on this? Maybe I should just get vonage.
UPDATE: My dad called me this morning and Skype worked beautifully. I got to talk to him for a whole hour. How weird is that?
UPDATE: My dad called me this morning and Skype worked beautifully. I got to talk to him for a whole hour. How weird is that?
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