Konnichiwa :)

... Means "Good Afternoon."

So we've been in Japan for a week now and things are well. It's odd....I honestly don't feel like I'm in a whole other place. I feel just like I was back in the states. I know it's a whole other country, I know it's a way different time zone, (I'm 13 hours ahead to my friends on the East Coast back in the states), but it feels just the same to me. I will have to say one thing, this time change has definitely made me a morning person. Feels like I should have been here all along. :) This most certainly is the "Land of the Rising Sun." Sun is up and shining by 4:30 am and I am up about 5/5:30 every morning. I make my coffee, watch a little TV and I still feel perfectly fine throughout the day. I am neither tired or groggy.



Our apartment is simple but quite nice. We have everything we need and more. Being on the 12 floor is pretty high up but it is nice to look outside from time to time :) We have wood flooring through the entire apartment, C.J. finally has his own room again, and I love our sliding doors. They really add space and growth to the apartment. (View my Webshots page so you can see all my photos.)






I have used my washer/dryer on a daily basis. (It is a two-in-one but a little too compact for my liking.) The dryer does not work as well as I would like and it takes about 5 hours to actually dry a load of wet laundry, so I use our shower room. I can hang clothes in there and there is a dryer button that blows out hot air and dries the clothes a little faster. (It is also a steam room, Love that!)

Remotes for EVERYTHING!!!

One thing I am still trying to learn and adjust to is our microwave/toaster/oven. (Laugh)
I have the microwave and toaster features down but I still don't understand how to bake in it!!! I want to make cookies dang it! I told Erick he has to call his friends to come and explain it more to me. :)


Erick leaves for work about 6:30 am and is back just before 6:00 pm on most days. C.J. and I spend our days about the same as always. We still practice letters, numbers, writing and now we've put Italian lessons and Sign Language on hold. Erick has gotten me the Rosetta Stone in Japanese now so we are practicing that. We don't need to become fluent, but I'd like to at least be able to communicate somewhat with the people here. Especially when I am at the grocery store, the mall, the train station, etc... I think it is important for us to make the effort and learn the language here. Some people do speak English but not everyone of course. I've done a couple of lessons and it is difficult but I think I can pick a little of it up soon.

My phone is not working as I expected it to. I cannot get texts and phone calls are not coming through either. I have the Wi-Fi on at all times but for some reason, I cannot connect anywhere other than the apartment. So as long as I am at home I get my emails, Facebook and Twitter feeds. I have the Tango App so anyone who has an IPhone or the like, please upload it so we can video chat from time to time. :)
I've met a few of Erick's work friends already and so far everyone has been really great. I even have someone to do my mani's, pedi's, and eyebrow waxing.
My local grocery store is about 2 blocks down the left of the apartment and they have a nice selection and variety of supplies - as far as groceries go. We have to head down to the 100 Yen store (our version of the Dollar General) for all my cleaning supplies. We've taken the train a couple of times as well, something else I need to get used to and actually need to pay attention to. But as much time as we are planning to be here, I'm sure I will get the hang of everything soon enough.
I've visited the Aeon Mall, two of them, great places to shop! But there is definitely so much more to see and visit. We had dinner last night at a Turkish pub that was absolutely delish!! That is certainly going to be a regular for us. (Erick and his work friends have already been going there a lot.)
All the places and the food are things we are going to have to get accustomed to, after all it is really different. :) I have no worries that it will all begin to feel like "home."
I will keep everyone posted on any new findings and adventures :)

Timeout for now Houston

Today is my last day in Houston... Before these plans began to take place, I did not know when this day would come. I have to admit, and I've told a few people my opinion, I do not like this city. After just a few months of being here, I was ready to leave. This city is most definitely not a place I would like to settle into. I do not want C.J. to attend school here; I don't want our family to grow here. Almost everything about this place, screams to me to get out. Maybe this seems a little harsh, not everyone will understand. Now that this day is here, I am more than ready to move on. But before I do head out, I would like to take the time to talk about a few people that have made our stay here bearable ;)

Shara:

My 30th Birthday dinner at Outback

Although Shara and I didn't start off on the right foot, our friendship has truly blossomed into something wonderful. In the beginning, with everything going on a work, we were both a little uncertain as to whether we could trust each other or not. But as we slowly opened up and began to actually talk to one another we began to see that we both had so much in common. It didn't take long after that for both of us to realize we had found a confidant in each other. Shara was super supportive the rest of our days at the bank and she not only helped me through rough times at work, but through some personal ones as well. She was super sweet and always offered a listening ear. She was kind enough to let C.J. and I stay with her when we were in between places and for that week and a half - we had the best time. :) You've truly been an excellent friend Shara and I wish you all the best! Thank you for everything you have done for both C.J. and me!!

Jessica, Greg, & Jake :

Three of the best people I have had the opportunity of getting to know. Jessica and I became instant buddies at the bank, pretty much from day one. I met the rest of the entourage through her. :) Although there is somewhat of an age difference between us, it has never been an issue. We bonded instantly over our love for the office Keurig machine and the wonderful variety of flavored coffees. And of course there was also the fact that we despised our job...(you were one of two good things I got from that place.) In our chats, there was never a dull moment. We've had so many long conversations, interesting dinners, and fun get together's...I'm going to miss them all. I'm going to miss hanging out with you on a weekly basis. I'm going to miss my workout buddy. I'm going to miss our coffee time too. I could go on and on but mostly, thank you for always being there for me. You've never judged, you've never strayed, you've been someone I could rely on from the very beginning. Thank you for being the epitome of a great friend. And thank you (again) for always looking into my condo while I was out of town. ;) 

A night out!

As for Greg and Jake, what can I say, you two or some of the sweetest and funniest guys I have ever met. Being around you all has always been fun! Thanks for taking me (and C.J.) in without any hesitations. I will miss our witty banter. Take care of each other.
To our new friend, Brent: Thanks for all your help with the move buddy. :) Couldn't have done it without you. I wish you all the best in your new life here in Texas!


Finally to my cousin Monica:

Christmas 2011

We've been through so much together through our lives. You are my family, my friend, my blessing. Thank you for everything you continue to do for me and for your God-son, C.J. :) Thank you, to both you and Robert for letting us into your home. Thank you for looking out for us. I will miss our nights' out (or in), our festive family talks over cocktails, our dinner get together's, and basically just being close to you again. Thank you for your help and guidance through the tough times and for your never ending support through it all. I am so thankful to always have you in my life. You have always been and forever will be my favorite cousin. I love you!

"Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends." ~ Richard Bach