So, I've been meaning to write about this experience but I've been so busy, I kept forgetting to.
So, there's a dry cleaners right across from where I live. I love how convinient it is and more at how fast they get stuff done (next day service. Woo~!)
So I usually talk to the lady that I think owns the place. She's really nice. Anyhoo, so one of my blazers, didn't have a button on one of the sleaves. It took me a while to notice this (since it's on a side I can't normally see and the color of the button really hides into the sleave). I've gone to this place many-a-times before but about twice she noticed that I was missing a button. And everytime I was like, "Oh yea, I should get on that" but always forgot (I have the button, I just don't remember to sew it on).
So some weeks ago, I was putting my blazer away at night when I randomly remembered about the button. And then I notice that both sleaves had a button. It then dawned on me that the last night I took it to the cleaners, the lady must have sewed on a button for me. And at no extra charge!
I don't know if they do this because Japanese people are just this friendly with one another or because they feel like helping me out since I'm the foreigner living alone.
That was so sweet of her. I want to bake her goodies now. :P
Monday, February 23, 2009
The gifts just keep rolling in...
So about a week ago, I went to an enkai with the first-year teachers and the PTA (not sure if it was all of them or just some of the members...). At the enkai, I found out it was one of the teacher's birthday. Since they're all so nice to me, I told him I'd make him a cake! And since he really liked the carrot cake, I told him I'd make him that one again. But that I'd take it to work on Wednesday.
After the enkai, I went to an after party with some of the teachers. Not having anymore JTE's around me, I tried my best at Japanese (with my dictionary at hand, of course). But...sadly forgot my dictionary at the place! ><"
But, the teacher in charge of the first years was nice enough to call and luckily found my dictionary.
Oh, Konishi-sensei (the one I made the cake for) took one of the cakes home to eat with his family. The other one was shared with the other teachers. The next day, there was a bag with the cake pans in it but with other stuff too! I got nori, chocolate cookie things and bread! I was so surprised. I mean, I made a birthday cake, I absolutely didn't expect anything back! And just yesterday, I got more bread from him! It's so crazy!!!
And then one of my students, Ayana, gave my JTE and some chocolate (dark chocolate too. yum) and then another day gave the same JTE, Andachi-sensei, a heart-shaped bread thing. It was hilarious how she did it though. Andachi-sensei was talking to the other girls about preparing for the eiken test and Ayana just puts the bag in front of Andachi's face! hahaha. And then she said something like, "This is not an obligation. It looks pretty but it doesn't taste good." It did though, have a funny smell...Andachi-sensei gave me half and said, "I don't want to die alone." bahahahaha. I love how we joke around. :]
Oh! And Shingo-kun, one of my lunch buddies from 3-8, brought me omiyage from Kyoto. He went up to take his entrance exam for a college there and brought me some "Chocolate stick cake." It's basically a long piece of chocolate cake. Really yummy chocolate cake. ^^
Man...I wonder if White Day is going to be this crazy...
(White day is similar to Valentine's Day. Here in Japan, the women usually give out chocolates on Valentine's Day and the boy usually return the favor on White Day. White Day is March 13, one month after Valentine's Day.)
*Oh yea, my host mom's daughter, Aya, made me some cookies too. ^^
After the enkai, I went to an after party with some of the teachers. Not having anymore JTE's around me, I tried my best at Japanese (with my dictionary at hand, of course). But...sadly forgot my dictionary at the place! ><"
But, the teacher in charge of the first years was nice enough to call and luckily found my dictionary.
Oh, Konishi-sensei (the one I made the cake for) took one of the cakes home to eat with his family. The other one was shared with the other teachers. The next day, there was a bag with the cake pans in it but with other stuff too! I got nori, chocolate cookie things and bread! I was so surprised. I mean, I made a birthday cake, I absolutely didn't expect anything back! And just yesterday, I got more bread from him! It's so crazy!!!
And then one of my students, Ayana, gave my JTE and some chocolate (dark chocolate too. yum) and then another day gave the same JTE, Andachi-sensei, a heart-shaped bread thing. It was hilarious how she did it though. Andachi-sensei was talking to the other girls about preparing for the eiken test and Ayana just puts the bag in front of Andachi's face! hahaha. And then she said something like, "This is not an obligation. It looks pretty but it doesn't taste good." It did though, have a funny smell...Andachi-sensei gave me half and said, "I don't want to die alone." bahahahaha. I love how we joke around. :]
Oh! And Shingo-kun, one of my lunch buddies from 3-8, brought me omiyage from Kyoto. He went up to take his entrance exam for a college there and brought me some "Chocolate stick cake." It's basically a long piece of chocolate cake. Really yummy chocolate cake. ^^
Man...I wonder if White Day is going to be this crazy...
(White day is similar to Valentine's Day. Here in Japan, the women usually give out chocolates on Valentine's Day and the boy usually return the favor on White Day. White Day is March 13, one month after Valentine's Day.)
*Oh yea, my host mom's daughter, Aya, made me some cookies too. ^^
Valentine's Day & Mexican Fiesta
So about 2 weekends ago, it was Valentine's Day. Being the baker that I am (which makes me consider opening a bakery...) I baked goodies for work.
I decided to make the carrot cake first for 2 reasons: 1-it takes an hour to bake. I can do the cookie preping while it bakes; and 2-I wanted to take one to my buddies at the Kawashoku.
As I'm prepping the ingrediants for the carrot cake, my friend Yamato e-mails me (on the keitai) and asked me to help her bake some cookies. This was her first time and I possibly have the second oven in all of the Jutkau... So she comes over and as I'm mixing my cake batter she's mixing her oatmeal cookie batter and then I get invited by some buddies to eat out for dinner. I decided to go since I wasn't sure I'd eat anything while I bake. And it worked out better since Yamato first had to bake her cookies (Well, I decided to let her do hers first since cookies only take about 10 - 15 minutes intervals and constant opening and closing of the door is not good for cakes). So I felt a little guilty for leaving her but I was glad I was able to help her. :]
After I got back, I found the carrot cake was put into the oven and since it was getting late, decided to make brownies instead of cookies for work. I felt it also fit better since chocolate is usually given for Valentine's Day.
Oh...but I believe I took one of the carrot cakes to my friends before I made the brownies... But yea, I walked over and handed them a slightly hot cake (wrapped in a kitchen towel) and told them that it's best if they let it cool off first. Otherwise it'll taste of egg). And since I had 2 little star shaped cake pans, I decided to make those for Kocho and Kyoto sensei (Principal and Vice-Principal).
The next day, I brought it all to work and the carrot cake was devoured in maybe an hour (I believe it took a bit of a while since there were classes going on and so only during the breaks did the teachers get to sample the cake.
Anyhoo, they all seemed to like the cakes. And then I had some left over hard-candy that comes in the shape of a heart (Elo sent me a bunch) so I gave more to my students (I put it into their class boxes), 3 to my host-mom's grandkids, some to the students in class 3-8 (who, although I don't teach, befriended me and ate lunch with me) and one to a second year, Hitomi, that I'm pretty close with. She was really happy to receive the box of candy (because she apparently really likes candy). She then said that she'll make some candy over the weekend and that she was going to bring me some next week (yay!).
And yes, she made some really yummy chocolate cookies. MMmmMMmm
So Friday night, Lupita and me baked like crazy. Pretty much, we had a jolly good time (and had so much to bake) and I didn't notice it was already midnight!!! We baked carrot cake (because it's been so popular), brownies with walnuts, empanadas (sadly, they kept exploding) and heart-shaped sugar cookies! Of course, it didn't go all that smoothly. It was a little emabarrasing to have gone to the Kawashoku about 3 times that night...out of miscommunication and forgetfulness. hahaha *><*
Saturday morning, I packed up whatever of my stuff Lupita couldn't take into 2 bags. I must have looked ridiculous with my teal carry on bag too (I stayed the night at Lupita's).
Once I got to Lupita's, the stress of party planning started. Somehow, her range (stove top) was not working. And being that hers is totally different to mine...I had to be a monkey and just sort of poke around/push things...yea... But, we eventually figured out what was wrong and immediately started cooking. I was hand-shreading chicken for what seemed like 2 and half hours (would have continued but I got fed up with looking at the chicken and then ran out of space to the chicken...)Lupita was working on papas fritas for about the same time as I took with the chicken and she too was getting fed up with looking at one thing... Long cooking story short: We prepped and cooked from ~11am - 6:30pm.
At 6:30, I quickly did my hair and make-up and then took off to pick up some friends at the station. Once we got back (after some trouble on helping Mike get a cab to get to Lupita's), I quickly changed then the party started. I believe everyone had a good time and we stuffed everyone silly (which was our goal). Woo~
[I'll add pictures later]
On Sunday morning, Lupita invited Carl, Grace and Emmett over to eat some left overs. We ate and watched "The Departed" at the same time. It was one of those great lazy Sundays that's just spent well with great company and a movie. :]
That Sunday, I went back to the Kawashoku and receivced hand-made cookies from the girls. I was so moved. And they were sooooooo good!!! I guess they like me too. ^^
I decided to make the carrot cake first for 2 reasons: 1-it takes an hour to bake. I can do the cookie preping while it bakes; and 2-I wanted to take one to my buddies at the Kawashoku.
As I'm prepping the ingrediants for the carrot cake, my friend Yamato e-mails me (on the keitai) and asked me to help her bake some cookies. This was her first time and I possibly have the second oven in all of the Jutkau... So she comes over and as I'm mixing my cake batter she's mixing her oatmeal cookie batter and then I get invited by some buddies to eat out for dinner. I decided to go since I wasn't sure I'd eat anything while I bake. And it worked out better since Yamato first had to bake her cookies (Well, I decided to let her do hers first since cookies only take about 10 - 15 minutes intervals and constant opening and closing of the door is not good for cakes). So I felt a little guilty for leaving her but I was glad I was able to help her. :]
After I got back, I found the carrot cake was put into the oven and since it was getting late, decided to make brownies instead of cookies for work. I felt it also fit better since chocolate is usually given for Valentine's Day.
Oh...but I believe I took one of the carrot cakes to my friends before I made the brownies... But yea, I walked over and handed them a slightly hot cake (wrapped in a kitchen towel) and told them that it's best if they let it cool off first. Otherwise it'll taste of egg). And since I had 2 little star shaped cake pans, I decided to make those for Kocho and Kyoto sensei (Principal and Vice-Principal).
The next day, I brought it all to work and the carrot cake was devoured in maybe an hour (I believe it took a bit of a while since there were classes going on and so only during the breaks did the teachers get to sample the cake.
Anyhoo, they all seemed to like the cakes. And then I had some left over hard-candy that comes in the shape of a heart (Elo sent me a bunch) so I gave more to my students (I put it into their class boxes), 3 to my host-mom's grandkids, some to the students in class 3-8 (who, although I don't teach, befriended me and ate lunch with me) and one to a second year, Hitomi, that I'm pretty close with. She was really happy to receive the box of candy (because she apparently really likes candy). She then said that she'll make some candy over the weekend and that she was going to bring me some next week (yay!).
And yes, she made some really yummy chocolate cookies. MMmmMMmm
So Friday night, Lupita and me baked like crazy. Pretty much, we had a jolly good time (and had so much to bake) and I didn't notice it was already midnight!!! We baked carrot cake (because it's been so popular), brownies with walnuts, empanadas (sadly, they kept exploding) and heart-shaped sugar cookies! Of course, it didn't go all that smoothly. It was a little emabarrasing to have gone to the Kawashoku about 3 times that night...out of miscommunication and forgetfulness. hahaha *><*
Saturday morning, I packed up whatever of my stuff Lupita couldn't take into 2 bags. I must have looked ridiculous with my teal carry on bag too (I stayed the night at Lupita's).
Once I got to Lupita's, the stress of party planning started. Somehow, her range (stove top) was not working. And being that hers is totally different to mine...I had to be a monkey and just sort of poke around/push things...yea... But, we eventually figured out what was wrong and immediately started cooking. I was hand-shreading chicken for what seemed like 2 and half hours (would have continued but I got fed up with looking at the chicken and then ran out of space to the chicken...)Lupita was working on papas fritas for about the same time as I took with the chicken and she too was getting fed up with looking at one thing... Long cooking story short: We prepped and cooked from ~11am - 6:30pm.
At 6:30, I quickly did my hair and make-up and then took off to pick up some friends at the station. Once we got back (after some trouble on helping Mike get a cab to get to Lupita's), I quickly changed then the party started. I believe everyone had a good time and we stuffed everyone silly (which was our goal). Woo~
[I'll add pictures later]
On Sunday morning, Lupita invited Carl, Grace and Emmett over to eat some left overs. We ate and watched "The Departed" at the same time. It was one of those great lazy Sundays that's just spent well with great company and a movie. :]
That Sunday, I went back to the Kawashoku and receivced hand-made cookies from the girls. I was so moved. And they were sooooooo good!!! I guess they like me too. ^^
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
General Update: I'm alive!
Yes, I have been MIA again. Gomen.
I believe the last thing I wrote about was about going home…ne?
Well, going home was awesome (the jetlag wasn’t) and it was great to be home, in my bed, eating home food, seeing buddies, getting hugs and being able to fully understand everything around me (both in signs and whatever people were saying).
I then came back all excited because my parents came back with me!!! That was fun…but a bit stressful since it was like we switched rolls this time and I was parent taking care of them. :P
But in any case, it was fun and I took them to Kyoto where despite the bitterly cold winds we had an awesome time. Dad really seemed to like checking out the architecture of the buildings and Mom really like just being there, I think. Haha.
The weekend after they left, I went up to Fukuyama, Hiroshima for an Oxy Ohana reunion! Laura and Phil were visiting Japan and so we all rendevouz-ed at Kelly’s place! She also had a special Hawai’i presentation that we helped her out with. ^^ And I took video of her hula dancing. Hehe. It was fun to finally try it out!
But yes, it was great to be with loving buddies again. It’s always a great time with them. Sadly, Steph will be going back home this summer but Kelly, Terence and I have re-contracted! More Oxy-Ohana trips shall be planned!
Then, I packed again, only a little earlier and for a longer duration. Why? Oh because I went all the way up to Hokkaido! Yes, let’s make me freeze. ;P
Awesome Grace found an awesome travel deal again! Woot woot! So Grace, Carl, Kevin, Patrick, Mike and me all left on Thursday to fly up to Hokkaido. Then we boarded a bus and went to Niseko (but did a small stop at a place called, “Mushroom Heaven.” I immediately e-mailed Elo about this). Once we got to Niseko, the owner of the lodge picked us up and took us to his awesome lodge (no really, it was great). That same night we (or so Pat, Mike and I) rented snowboarding gear. And then Carl, Kevin, Pat and I explored part of the town that night. And had many snowball fights along the way. Haha.
The next 2 days were filled with many attempts to snowboard. Well, at least for me. Kevin, Carl, Grace and Mike knew what they were doing and how to keep their balance. Pat and me took classes (but separately) and my hardest task was trying to stand. Eventually, I just kept getting up toe-side (backwards, in a sense) and then tried to turn so that I could see where I was going. But I’d usually fall. I had only one really bad fall where I knocked the wind out of me. It also blew off my beanie and goggles. But I was fine. My stamina got knocked down after that but I was alright. Falls were much more painful on the second day because there was no new snow. Though it was softer than ice…it was not as soft as powder. Towards the end of the day, I was able to keep my balance for longer and go down the hill for longer periods of time without falling. Either I got the hang of it or the idea of falling was quickly becoming a “non-option” for me that I managed to control my balance on the board…somehow…
After all this, we went on a bus ride again and stayed 1 day in Sapporo. I felt it was much colder here. But it could have also been because walking doesn’t get you as hot as snowboarding does. But we walked around the city, looked for ice sculptures for the upcoming Snow Festival (but only a few were up) and had crab tabehoudai (all-you-can-eat). It was my first time. So it was difficult…
After that crazy weekend, I went on a day trip with my buddies over to Nagasaki (sort of neighboring prefecture). There, we took pictures of lanterns (in celebration of Chinese New Year!). It was fun. It was crowded.
Now this week, I went with some friends to Costco to get food for an up-coming party! Lupita and I are throwing a Mexican Fiesta! (There are people here who have never had Mexican food. We aim to expose them to the deliciousness of Mexican cuisine) That party is on Saturday. Yes, Valentine’s Day. Haha! I won’t be alone on that day. ;)
But yes, I have been really busy and I will continue to be really busy. Tonight, I will be baking Valentine’s goodies for my co-workers and then tomorrow night (Friday night), Lupita (and possibly others) are coming over to help me bake for the Mexican Fiesta. I’m making empanadas!! And maybe other yummies since it is on Valentine’s Day. :P
Hokay…off I go…
But yes, I’m alive.
I believe the last thing I wrote about was about going home…ne?
Well, going home was awesome (the jetlag wasn’t) and it was great to be home, in my bed, eating home food, seeing buddies, getting hugs and being able to fully understand everything around me (both in signs and whatever people were saying).
I then came back all excited because my parents came back with me!!! That was fun…but a bit stressful since it was like we switched rolls this time and I was parent taking care of them. :P
But in any case, it was fun and I took them to Kyoto where despite the bitterly cold winds we had an awesome time. Dad really seemed to like checking out the architecture of the buildings and Mom really like just being there, I think. Haha.
The weekend after they left, I went up to Fukuyama, Hiroshima for an Oxy Ohana reunion! Laura and Phil were visiting Japan and so we all rendevouz-ed at Kelly’s place! She also had a special Hawai’i presentation that we helped her out with. ^^ And I took video of her hula dancing. Hehe. It was fun to finally try it out!
But yes, it was great to be with loving buddies again. It’s always a great time with them. Sadly, Steph will be going back home this summer but Kelly, Terence and I have re-contracted! More Oxy-Ohana trips shall be planned!
Then, I packed again, only a little earlier and for a longer duration. Why? Oh because I went all the way up to Hokkaido! Yes, let’s make me freeze. ;P
Awesome Grace found an awesome travel deal again! Woot woot! So Grace, Carl, Kevin, Patrick, Mike and me all left on Thursday to fly up to Hokkaido. Then we boarded a bus and went to Niseko (but did a small stop at a place called, “Mushroom Heaven.” I immediately e-mailed Elo about this). Once we got to Niseko, the owner of the lodge picked us up and took us to his awesome lodge (no really, it was great). That same night we (or so Pat, Mike and I) rented snowboarding gear. And then Carl, Kevin, Pat and I explored part of the town that night. And had many snowball fights along the way. Haha.
The next 2 days were filled with many attempts to snowboard. Well, at least for me. Kevin, Carl, Grace and Mike knew what they were doing and how to keep their balance. Pat and me took classes (but separately) and my hardest task was trying to stand. Eventually, I just kept getting up toe-side (backwards, in a sense) and then tried to turn so that I could see where I was going. But I’d usually fall. I had only one really bad fall where I knocked the wind out of me. It also blew off my beanie and goggles. But I was fine. My stamina got knocked down after that but I was alright. Falls were much more painful on the second day because there was no new snow. Though it was softer than ice…it was not as soft as powder. Towards the end of the day, I was able to keep my balance for longer and go down the hill for longer periods of time without falling. Either I got the hang of it or the idea of falling was quickly becoming a “non-option” for me that I managed to control my balance on the board…somehow…
After all this, we went on a bus ride again and stayed 1 day in Sapporo. I felt it was much colder here. But it could have also been because walking doesn’t get you as hot as snowboarding does. But we walked around the city, looked for ice sculptures for the upcoming Snow Festival (but only a few were up) and had crab tabehoudai (all-you-can-eat). It was my first time. So it was difficult…
After that crazy weekend, I went on a day trip with my buddies over to Nagasaki (sort of neighboring prefecture). There, we took pictures of lanterns (in celebration of Chinese New Year!). It was fun. It was crowded.
Now this week, I went with some friends to Costco to get food for an up-coming party! Lupita and I are throwing a Mexican Fiesta! (There are people here who have never had Mexican food. We aim to expose them to the deliciousness of Mexican cuisine) That party is on Saturday. Yes, Valentine’s Day. Haha! I won’t be alone on that day. ;)
But yes, I have been really busy and I will continue to be really busy. Tonight, I will be baking Valentine’s goodies for my co-workers and then tomorrow night (Friday night), Lupita (and possibly others) are coming over to help me bake for the Mexican Fiesta. I’m making empanadas!! And maybe other yummies since it is on Valentine’s Day. :P
Hokay…off I go…
But yes, I’m alive.
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