Category Archives: Tokyo

Fired, Food, Furs, Floors & Fast Boys

March 16, 2012 By in Daily Living, Japan, Living in Tokyo, Tokyo, useful Tags: , , , , , , 4 Comments

Fired

So I just let Joji, my helper, go. I don’t think I’ve ever had to fire someone before. In the States, we either moved or my help ran away. Wait, there was that one Russian woman I fired for not being able to stop talking and texting while driving. Every time I called, I could hear the traffic in the background, or I would text and get a reply when I knew she was driving. Entrapment? Maybe, I don’t care. Nobody talks while driving my baby. Anyhow, I waited until Joji was getting ready to leave and then I started in with the, “Joji, can we talk? You know I think you are a lovely person… but-”. I feel badly for blind-siding her. I just kept thinking about that movie where George Clooney fires everyone: Up in the Air. I was also fresh from watching Moneyball with Brad Pitt and he has a scene where he teaches someone how to fire people. It is not easy. It’s no fun being abandoned a week before all your relatives come to stay for the holidays either, but between the 2 situations, I think I’d choose being abandoned. It’s easier to feel mad than sad. So this Saturday and Sunday, I am interviewing 2 new ladies. The first lady’s name is Mercy. Lord, I hope to get some.

What are we eating in Tokyo?

Well, here is part of the menu from a restaurant we decided to try the other night. Being a graduate from the University of South Carolina (USC) I know about Gamecocks, but I also assume some game has cock. Which is it? Surprisingly, no one was in the mood for turtle organs.

Furs

I have addressed Tokyo fashion in a previous blog, but those were warmer times. Given all the fur on people’s bodies in the city and the creative culinary use of animal parts, I’m thinking PETA is still just bread here in Japan. You’ve also heard me talking about all the “fancy men” of Tokyo. In Atlanta, the only people I ever caught wearing furs were rap stars and trophy wives (yay! trophy wives). In Tokyo, even the men appreciate a little fur next to their skin.

Floors

If you come to Japan, you will not be able to miss the interesting floor patterns. For a long time, I thought these weird floor tiles were just there as decorations or to annoy anyone wearing heels. Then, one day I saw a blind person tapping their walking stick and following the pattern. How cool is that? How ironic is that? It took a blind person to show me what that was.

Fast Boys

You’ve heard me talk about my assumption that there are no native English-speaking editors in Japan.

Maybe my mind is in the gutter too much, but I practically cracked my skull getting this photograph for you friends. The truck was stopped at a red light. I keep laughing thinking about the brainstorming meeting to decide on the name for the new company:

  • What about Quick Boy?
  • So good!
  • I like it!
  • Done!
  • Let’s go practice our yo-yo…

Cliff has been in Hawaii since Tuesday on a Golf outing. He returns Sunday evening.

Chase is supposed to have baseball all weekend of course, but I am praying it rains like it is supposed to.

I was sent a note from Angela about a television casting call for ExPat wives living in Tokyo. She was encouraging me to throw my hat in the ring. Hmmm.

Until next time…

The Help, Media & Playdates

March 14, 2012 By in Culture Shock, Daily Living, Japan, Kathryn, Pearls of wisdom, Tokyo, Uncategorized, useful Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The other day, I bumped into a fellow expat at TAC (Tokyo American Club) who I had met before during my brief attempt at joining a book club. She asked me if I was still going and of course I had to say no. The books were terrible and forcing me to turn to iPhone app games like Plants versus Zombies to satisfy my need for escapism. Anyhow, she offered up an opportunity to join a different group with older ladies but better books. I’m obviously not an age-ist so I agreed to check out the book selections and go. The book for March is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I had heard about this book from several people. Unfortunately, I happen to be one of those people where if I know everyone else is doing something, I don’t want to do it… at least I won’t do it right away. I downloaded the book to my Kindle and within seconds was able to start reading. I love it. Some of my exhuberance may be because I just finished reading Blood Ninja by Nick Lake (I know what it sounds like) and that book was TERRIBLE. The whole way through I found it to be mind-numbing and so much the writing of a white guy who either wants to be Japanese or find hisself a Japanese girlfriend real bad. Anyhow, “The Help” is a lot better. Although, I do find it a little annoying that the author is a white woman. But who knows, maybe she “high-yellow” and I’m just being quick to judge.  The beauty of “The Help” is that I can identify with all the characters. Sometimes I feel like an uppity Southern Junior Leaguer and sometimes I feel like a sassy black house mammy. The funny thing I have noticed is the more I read the book, the more I am saying things like: “Ain’t you a sweet one to finish yo breakfast” and “Laws! you  gonna go out da house like dat?!?” I have a little money stashed for Chase’s therapy.

The irony of the book is that I have finally decided to let go of Joji (my helper) and find someone new. My last straw was Cliff finding a dirty plate in the cabinet at breakfast. My predicament is that I found her through another resident (the Coke family from Atlanta in fact) in the apartment and then, I recommended her to another neighbor who lives in the apartment next to mine. So she gone be around. For the longest time, I have been wanting to let her go, but she is really sweet and for some reason everyone in her family has been fired from their jobs and she’s the only one supporting everyone. I have a couple interviews set up for this weekend so hopefully everything will work out and the next helper won’t short-sheet my bed anymore.

RADIO & TV

As “progressive” as Japan seems on the outside, let me just inform you as a short-time resident that Japan is where old music and TV goes to die. I have my kitchen radio on the most popular station in Tokyo. Whenever they play a song, I’m reminded of some ex-boyfriend from high school. Then, when I do find myself on the couch watching TV with Cliff or Chase, on the English-speaking channels it’s all from TVLand. The Classics programming. I will admit, I have a new found appreciation for Columbo. He was a really fine detective.

Columbo

PLAYDATES

So I’ve hosted a few playdates here in Japan. A couple of things I’ve observed:

1) It is not the easiest thing to do. First, most of the kids here have so many extra curricular activities, finding “free-time” is sometimes impossible. I remember just recently, when St. Mary’s called an unexpected snow day, I called Chase’s friend who lives just up the street thinking, the mom would be happy to have someone take her son for a little playtime when they were supposed to be at school. Nope. I called at 8:00am asking if Ken could come over and play with Chase and his mom said they were busy. I know this may have been nosy, but I had to ask what they were doing. Going to the hospital to visit sick people. Probably trying to pad his transcripts for college applications already.

2) If we are able to coordinate a time together, the kid coming over ALWAYS brings something. This has taken the form of cookies, candies, and books. At first, I was a little surprised, but then it got a little weird when a particular friend came over several times bearing gifts every time. I kept saying it wasn’t necessary, but that doesn’t matter. When Chase goes to someone else’s house, now I make sure he always has something for the host.

3) It’s usually not at their apartment. In other words, it’s usually an outing. Maybe it’s because their flat is small, or cold, or messy. Take your pick. I guess it isn’t so terrible. Whenever we host, we inevitably end up at the club. That is probably one of the best points about being members at TAC. It’s the basement I used to have.

Not Inside My Apartment

Until next time…

Anniversary 2012

March 12, 2012 By in Cliff, Culture Shock, Daily Living, Dining out, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, Pearls of wisdom, Tokyo, Uncategorized, useful Tags: , , , , , , 3 Comments

I know many of you will assume this blog is about the anniversary of the Tsunami and Earthquake that devastated Japan last year. I’m assuming there are better writers than myself who will cover this topic plenty, so I am going to talk about the other anniversary that falls on March 11th: My wedding anniversary.

Speaking as a woman who has been married now for 12 years (gads, how did THAT happen?!?), I understand the importance of performing my wifely duties. I feel like major holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries are good markers to remind me of such tasks. Of course, this doesn’t stop Cliff from complaining that he doesn’t think I do enough, so this year I decided to give up the pussy twice on our anniversary…

Maneki Neko

Maneki Neko from Baccarat

WHY THIS PUSSY IS LUCKY:

Many of you have probably seen Maneki Neko in your favorite sushi restaurants or Japanese shops. Depending on who you ask, some will say the right or left hand raised signifies different things. Left paw brings in customers, Right paw brings in wealth & good luck. Some say the left hand brings in the money and the right hand protects it. There are others still who say the left-handed kitty is for drinking establishments and the right-handed kitty is for stores. The collar (sometimes bib) and bell you see adorning the cats are there to imitate the common attire for cat-pets from wealthy households back in the Edo period.

When I first saw these figurines, I knew they were destined to be part of our home. I purchased them as a set and figured they would increase the Feng Shui of Cliff’s office and he could tell people he got some pussy in his office.

Orchid from 3-11-2011

2011 Anniversary Orchid

Last year, I sent a huge arrangement of orchids to Cliff’s office. I remember debating over the expense because they were seriously expensive, but in the end, I went with 5 stems instead of 3 because it just felt right. Cliff and I are often frugal with ourselves but will spare no expense with one another and in my heart I knew, if I was halfway across the world away from my family, and working hard, he would do at least that much for me. They arrived in the morning and he sent me an email thanking me for them and telling me how beautiful they were. The earthquake/tsunami hit minutes after he sent that message and we were unable to reach each other for over 24 hours. I found myself thinking about my friends in Colorado who went through Columbine. I found myself thinking about things I could have done better. I found myself while thinking I had lost my husband.

While March 11, 2000 was one of the happiest and most magical days of my life. March 11, 2011 was probably one of the saddest and longest. This past Saturday night, Cliff and I met Alexandra for dinner at Nobu Restaurant to celebrate. Alexandra asked me if marriage was all that I expected. I don’t know why, but the question sort of stopped me. Every year, my definition for marriage has changed. I have seen a lot of marriages. Some good, some bad and others unrelateable to me. I believe Hollywood/Disney has done a huge dis-service making people think there is some kind of fairytale relationship happy ending once you find your “perfect” mate. You’re lucky if you get the fairytale in the beginning. In the end, you pray you can be friends and still feel like kissing on occasion. Why did I marry Cliff? Like many women in my 20′s I had this list in my head of all the perfect features for the perfect man (aka my future husband). Looking back, I realize that Cliff was hardly anything on that list, but one day, I also realized he became the list. Is marriage everything I expected? No. But I am starting to appreciate that this might be a good thing.

Given Cliff’s reaction to this year’s anniversary gift, I’m thinking he prefers pussy over orchids.

Until next time…

St. Mary’s International School 4th Grade Ski Trip 2012

March 10, 2012 By in Chase, Daily Living, Japanese Excursions, Kathryn, Pearls of wisdom, School, Tokyo, useful Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

My Three’s Company Moment:

  • Boy: Hey Chase! I finally figured out how to get it up!
  • Chase: That’s great! I told you it was all in the wrist.
  • Boy: Yeah, I just had to move it up and down faster.
  • Chase: Feels good when you get it the first time…

Chase teaching a classmate how to use a yo-yo.

So I survived the 4 days and 3 nights of 17 boys. The snow wasn’t as bad as I had expected given the temperatures were very temperate and we had rain. Chase is now a confident parallel skier. I’m so proud of him. Instead of going into gory detail about the trip, I took a bunch of pictures and hope you all won’t mind an image-heavy blog this time. I do want to mention something I feel like I learned on my 3rd day of skiing.

Ski Day 3

Beautiful weather. Views are spectacular. The instructor wants to take some of the more adventuresome boys through the woods in the powder.

As I started out, I soon realized that my bearings were different in the powdery and unpredictable woods. I found myself falling a lot. So much so that one tumble felt like it just rolled into another tumble. Then, I found I was second guessing myself and feeling unsure on the groomed runs. It was like I could see every little ice chip, divot, and groove where I could potentially snag my ski and kill myself. A voice inside my head re-told a horrible story I had just heard about another family whose child had become paralyzed during their last vacation after they wanted to go for 1 last dive. By the time lunch rolled around, I was feeling like maybe I should stay back at the lodge and sit the afternoon out instead of returning to the slope. It was at this point,  I had my epiphany. I could either give up and stay home or I could make myself get back on the slopes and beat the voices in my head. Life is like this. This is what separates the pros from the amateurs. This is what defines character. I went back out for the afternoon and despite feeling tired and sore, I stuck it out. I felt good about my decision. I kept thinking to myself, this is where it all starts. The downward slide into ”Old Town”. I needed to nip it in the bud. Did those voices go away? No. But they weren’t nearly as loud either.

Enjoy:

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Until next time…

Catherine with a B

March 3, 2012 By in Daily Living, Girlfriends, Hair Salon, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, Tokyo, useful Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
Catherine

Catherine at an art gallery opening

So, I have a new domain, new theme for the blog, and new friend. Coincidentally, her name is Catherine but of course she spells her name differently. She is super cool and REALLY gorgeous. I only make friends with the gorgeous set so of course I needed to get to know her more.

I tried to ask her about her beauty regimen because then I could copy it to the letter. She simply blew some smoke in my face from her 1950′s cigarette and laughed politely. So of course, I stalked her…

I discovered she had bi-monthly hair moisture treatments which were necessary to keep her hair in super silky condition and of course shoulder massages:

Hair Treatments

Hair Treatments

The other day I caught her in Hiroo, but it took me a while to register because she was in disguise: Sportswear. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! She was going into a Japanese Plastic Surgery Clinic.

In Cognito

I waited a while before going into the clinic for fear of being discovered. I know I should have turned back now, because what do I care what they do here? but curiosity got the best of me and of course, I was thinking of my readers and how maybe someone out there might want to know about aesthetics in Japan.

Evidently, Catherine is meticulous in her maintenance providers. Here at Plaza Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kure had impeccable qualifications (trained in the US and Board Certified) and he wrote the book on Botox. Literally:

The Book on Botox by Dr. Kure

The Book on Botox by Dr. Kure

While I waited to make an appointment for a consultation for wrinkly knees, I could overhear Catherine and Dr. Kure laughing and talking about how “Vitamin B” shots were so different here in Japan as opposed to America. Evidently in America, you can pay by the unit and in Tokyo it is pretty much by area. The plus side is, after 1 week, Dr. Kure said if she didn’t feel like she had gotten enough result, she could come back for a “free” touch up. Just when I thought she was going to leave, I heard her ask if the Doctor wouldn’t mind looking at some unsightly mark on her buttocks that was troubling her. Being the ever-sacrificing physician that he is, he said he would check it out. After a few seconds, he offered to try an experiment and laser it for free and see if it helped. Being the courageous lady that she is, of course she consented. She said he could call the new treatment “The Botox & Buttocks Special”. Dr. Kure said he wished all his patients were as funny and charming as she is, and I heard a playful laugh through the door. He also bemoaned the fact that in Japan, aesthetics is still one of those things most women didn’t share with one another. It was all still very secretive so word of mouth wasn’t helping his business. He also mentioned that boob jobs were more popular before the earthquake but not so much since. Maybe people are giving all their boob money to the temples. Liposuction of the hips seemed to be very popular among men and women here and is basically outpatient procedure, unless of course you are getting a whole bunch sucked out at once. In the end, “Vitamin B” for forehead, between the brows, and chin ended up costing about 60,000 yen or $750.00. Mental note to self: start savings account for aesthetics for that day when I need it.

When I realized she was getting ready to go, I hurried out the office and tried to act all natural and spontaneous when I tried to bump into her on the street all casual-like. She was gracious as to be expected and said she had just come back from her nutritionist (wink). Being her future friend I knew it was in my best interest not to bust her on what I knew and to just play along. I have a very good feeling about our relationship.

Until next time…

Skiing in Hakuba, Nagano

February 29, 2012 By in Chase, Daily Living, Family, Getting there, Japanese Excursions, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, Tokyo, Transportation, useful, Weather Tags: , , , , , 4 Comments

Nagano Mountainside

Moving to Japan, I don’t know why, but I really thought our ski days were over. We packed our gear anyway because I was terrified we would go skiing in Europe or America and have to buy everything all over again. FYI, skiing is one of the most expensive sports to participate in. In my first winter here, I have been to Niseko (Christmas time), just returned from Hakuba, Nagano (Winter breakette= 2 days off), and next week I am looking at spending time in Tsumagoi with Chase’s class for their ski trip.

Our first day of skiing in Niseko was a bit nightmarish for Chase because he is really a beginner and at one point, Cliff asked me if we needed to call ski patrol to get Chase down the mountain. You put an overgrown 10-year old on a pair of skis in deep powder, you need to prepare for a lot of waiting around and tears. Despite all the drama, it amazes me that Chase still claimed to enjoy skiing. Alexandra’s boys were on Spring Break from the British School for a week, Cliff was going to the U.S. for business and Chase had Thursday / Friday off that week, so I thought it would be a good time for Chase and I to do our “Mom & Me” trip to Nagano.

On our way to the train station, Chase was wearing his ski jacket and as he turned to say something he must have gotten a whiff of something special because he says, “Ewww! this jacket smells like tears and boogers!” I didn’t bother asking him to check that out. We caught the Shikansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo Station. Better to go through the Yaesu entrances. The last time we took the Shinkansen it was going to Kyoto. It was much easier navigating this trip. The trip from Tokyo to Nagano was just under 2 hours. Then we had to get on a bus that took us to Hakuba and that took a little over an hour. At the Hakuba Information center, we contacted Hakuba Tokyu Hotel and requested a lift to the hotel. They picked us up within 5 minutes.

Boys Before Dinner

Our first night, we had terrific casual dinner with Alexandra, Andrew, Ollie and Max. The food was terrific, the sake was cold and we were excited to ski the next day.

FYI: A lot of resort/vacation packages will have ENGLISH and Japanese language options. I accidentally happened to navigate through both and I know enough Japanese to realize they weren’t exactly the same. I was able to get a Japanese person through Tokyo American Club to help me book through the Japanese language site because for the same price I was able to get lift tickets for each day we were staying as opposed to just room and breakfast. Even though Hakuba Tokyu is not ski-in/ski-out, the rental is in-house and the shuttles are available. There is also a basic onsen available.

Hakuba Ski Runs

The Wealthiest Looking Man on the Mountain

We joked a lot about Andrew the Sultan with his 2 wives and 3 boys.

Our first day of skiing was rainy and cold. It was probably our best day of skiing in the season. Even though everyone else seemed to be heading back to the hotels, Chase and I were just getting started and he had a lesson with an instructor booked. I skied with the 2 of them until I realized Chase was being whiny just for me so I peeled off to ski on my own. A lot of people like to ski in groups but personally, I enjoy the independence of exploring on my own. Sometimes I tag-along behind another interesting group or chat it up with other interesting folk and it just makes my day feel so spontaneous. The only downside skiing alone and not knowing a mountain  is the chance of getting lost or getting stuck in a precarious area alone.

After leaving Chase, I headed over to Kokusai and took 2 lifts (Kokusai 1 and Kokusai 3) up the mountian. These map pictures were taken at the top of these lifts. Coming off area 2-2 I turned left thinking this looked like an interesting red run. BTW, Japanese Red Run = American Blue Run. Also, signage in Japan is terrible. So I’m skiing along, doing great, thinking highly of my own ski skills. Thoughts like: Aren’t I terrific? Boy, the Japanese must be very low threshold skiers, etc…. Then, I stopped to rest at an area that looked like a cliff. As I looked over, I saw what seemed like miles of moguls appeared before me and a VERY steep grade. Of course, I am hit with the revelation that I haven’t really seen too many people up to this point (but I assumed it was the rain) and the only other person I see is this bouncing orange jacket all the way at the bottom. Way out of earshot.

I used to think the only reason to ski was for the vistas. Now I see skiing teaches you how to get through bad decisions. I ain’t gonna lie. I was very scared. I took it one bump at a time and I traversed the hell out of that run. By the time I was finished, my thighs were trembling (not in a good way) but I had an amazing feeling of accomplishment. I didn’t even realize it was the  Men’s Olympic Mogul run until I got inside the Kokusai information building to complain about the lack of proper signs.

Men's Olympic Mogul Run

Is it just me, or does that Olympic Course I line change colors mid-stream?!? Who does that?!?

By the time I met up with Chase, we were soaked through. I could wring out our gloves and water was running out. But he felt great about his improving skills and I felt great about being alive. My spinning coach recently told me, “It’s not the years in your life but the life in your years that matters.” I think I’ll borrow that one.

On Top of the World

About Last Night

February 12, 2012 By in Chase, Cliff, Culture Shock, Daily Living, Dining out, Girlfriends, Japan, Japanese Excursions, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, Tokyo, Transportation, useful Tags: , , , , , , , 4 Comments

 

Cosmopolitan from Union Square Restaurant

Before the details get fuzzy, I must record the happenings of last night. I thought I could hang with Alexandra and Andrew (Alex & Andy) but I think I was kidding myself. Ever since our last trip together, I have promised myself I would gradually increase my alcohol tolerance, and adhere to my strict bedtime of 8:00pm. Saturday, Alexandra at least seemed to be considerate of my 10 hour sleep minimum. She asked me if she should make the reservation for 7 or 7:30pm so of course I said 7. We met them and another couple at Union Square restaurant in Tokyo Midtown for dinner. That Cosmopolitan picture was the drink I ordered. My eyes nearly fell out of my head because it was so big! I took a picture of it next to a 50 yen piece (about the same size as a nickel) because I just couldn’t believe it. I finally found something in Japan that wasn’t smaller here than in the US. After fantastic food, wines and service, Alexandra received a call from a friend who was at another bar close by with more people and oh by the way, do we all want to meet up? At this point, I’m feeling pretty saucy and having trouble in my Ferragamo wedges, but Alexandra is pulling me by the arm and threatening never to talk to me again if I don’t go for just one drink. She has promised Lien and me that we will be rewarded with furs if we go, what the hell?!? How can you not love Alex? Anyhow, for someone who can’t weigh more than 100 pounds soaking wet, she is a very strong woman. I attribute this to her Korean background.

Next stop, R2. We find the group. Everyone is very nice and they have somehow managed to score the front table so now we moved from a party of 6 to 12. Everyone was jovial and drinking more wine. Being surrounded by the 20-30-whatever set, it suddenly dawned on me that as you get older it isn’t about who you’re going to meet when you go out anymore. It’s who you can escape from. I don’t know when, but by I think 11pm? I can’t remember, people were dispersing, there was talk of babysitters needing to be relieved, I was seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but I was mistaken, because it turned out to be the glinting light from Alexandra’s diamond ring as she was pulling my wrist AGAIN and talking of karaoke! WTH? I can barely walk. Now she says I have to go for “just 1 song, baby. Shut up and get in the cab.” I’m disoriented. I’m tired. I’m going.

Smash Hits is where we pull up. The original and final 6 of us (Alex, Andy, Lien, Paddy, Cliff and yours truly). At first, I had no intention of getting on stage or  singing, but damn them if they didn’t make it seem so fun! The place had a HUGE inventory of songs to choose from and you could get on stage and jump in whenever you felt it. They even had props like wigs or a guitar. The place was pleasantly full, not crazy packed and we could spread out and it made it comfortable for even Cliff to get up and sing a tune:

Cliff and Alexandra singing backup for Andrew

ONE song turned into shutting down the place at 2:30am. Cliff and I somehow managed to stumbled home reeking of cigarettes and sneaking into the apartment trying not to wake the 10-year-old boy.

At this very moment Cliff and I are packing for our trip to India. Everything seems to be in order, but I always feel like I am forgetting something especially when we leave Chase behind. I want to blog while I am away but I am not sure if I’ll be able to, so just hang in there until I get back. Our flight returns to Tokyo next Saturday the 18th late in the afternoon. Cliff turns right around on Tuesday the 21st to do business in the US and I leave with Chase, Wednesday on the 22nd to meet Alexandra, Andrew and their boys up in Nagano for a few days of skiing. We will return Saturday the 25th. Cliff returns to Japan March 2nd. Whew!

Until next time…

 

 

First Snow, First Show, First Toe

January 28, 2012 By in Chase, Cliff, Daily Living, Family, Japan, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, Tokyo, Transportation, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment

When you don't have a back yard... there's the rooftop.

So what didn’t happen this week?

First Snow

We experienced our first snow day. This past Monday night freezing temperatures and rain clouds convened to create treacherous conditions the following morning. Watching the snow fall Monday night, I kept checking my phone for school closure notices but nothing! Chase got as far out as down the street when I finally got the notice and in my true “Ghetto-style” I was able to open the balcony window and yell at him to come home, school was out today. To which, I swear, he did this sideways leprechaun kick and raced home as fast as he could.

I love how days like this have a way of “putting you in your place”. No matter how determined you are to do something or go somewhere, The Powers That Be will play the weather card, or the car-won’t-start card, or sick kid card and you have to adjust and get through it. I was going to just take Chase with me to TAC (Tokyo American Club) for my 80′s Aerobics class. I was really surprised at how icy and treacherous the roads really were. Big snow clumps and ice falling from skyscraper ledges is nothing to take lightly. We made it to the first major street where we normally hail cabs and there were barely any around. When one finally did stop, he asked where we needed to go and then he very politely said, “Not going there”. So Chase and I had to turn right back around and walk/skate our way back to the apartment.

As far as we got on Snow Day

As we were walking back, Chase and I thought it was so strange that here in Tokyo, Japan, year 2012 we saw men trying to clear the streets using sticks, makeshift looking shovels, and brooms that looked like something the Wicked Witch of the West would ride. Just another ironic moment in Japan.

First Show

In some ways, it was probably a good thing the day was completely canceled because I had a lot of things going on and I had woken up thinking, how the hell am I going to do all this? That evening was also rehearsal night for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat aka The Spring Play. We rehearse every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evening and as we get closer, we will start working on Saturday and Sunday. It has been a really terrific experience for me to be involved in the project. I was really worried I was just going to be some lame extra appendage to the whole process, but the director seems to like having me around and it’s nice to be part of the Drama Club again. It’s all so Jungian. Last night we were working on the “Hoedown” song. The music director and all the boys were doing it all so beautifully and the soloist had a voice like an angel. It was all wrong. Evidently at this international school, hoedowns are just not part of the list of festivals. There is no “Redneck History Month”. So being the only “Southern” Korean in the room, I proceeded to explain Western Culture and Country music. I referenced Bonnie & Clyde, Young Guns, and Deliverance (just kidding there) and asked the soloist to do some research by listening to some Jerry Jeff Walker (knowing Cliff just came in handy). I asked if any of them had ever heard a Southern accent and they all said no. It was a shocking revelation. So at one point, I had this Broadcast News moment with the soloist where I was standing next to him while he sang. I was basically speaking the lyrics in a Southern accent a beat before he needed to sing it so he could remember “forget” is pronounced “furget”, it isn’t “paradise” it’s “paradahhs”, it isn’t “dead” it’s “day-ed”. It was really funny. I guess when there’s no one in the room from the South, that “new Korean girl from Georgia” will just have to do.

Still from The Gunfighter. "Day-ed as a doornail"

First Toe

As in my Hallux (medical term). Some of you who have been with me from the beginning of this adventure know of my pain. That first and only mani-pedi I had almost 5 months ago. You are also aware that as a result of me trying to get the “most out of my money” on this I gave myself a good case of double black toe. Right now, my big toenails are barely hanging on. I don’t have the guts to pull them off so I am coloring them silver to hide their horrifying color and make them look normal. My secret desire and hope is that one or both of them fall off in one of my yoga classes so I can earn extra yoga points and make Koreans look even more badass. Everyone already thinks I am super serious and hard-core about my exercise and yoga, but I think watching me “tough it out” and having my big toenails fall off during a vinyasa would be the stuff of legends. I’ll keep you all in the loop if this happens.

Ashtanga Instructor from Under The Light

Namaste’

Until next time…

Milestones

January 23, 2012 By in Cliff, Culture Shock, Daily Living, Japan, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, Tokyo, useful Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Personalized

JAPANESE

I recently lost my PASMO card while shopping in Matsuya.  I went into the Ginza station lost and found and reported my loss. Because I had personalized my card, they said I could have a replacement made if I waited 24-48 hours and I wouldn’t lose the balance I still had remaining on my card. I ended up getting the replacement card for 1000 yen because I use the subways a lot to get around but about 5 days later someone from the Ginza station called and informed me that the card had been found and returned to them. I told them I would be there on Saturday around 12:00 to pick up the old card. I had this entire conversation on the phone…. In Japanese. When I hung up, it hit me that this had occurred. I have to say, it was pretty cool. Living in the Gaijin Ghetto, you aren’t necessarily under any pressure to learn Japanese or make it better because, well, a lot of people speak English here. I keep listening to Japanese talk radio hoping one day it will magically make sense to me. Right now, I just get a lot of dates and times.

M-SAIZU

What is up with all the skinny ass girls here? And while I’m talking about it, the men here are skinny too! I also don’t understand how I can be sitting next to a chick who’s leg is at its widest point the same thickness as my wrists and is at the same time wolfing down a man-size bowl of ramen. I don’t get it. The other day at the gym, I saw a similar sized woman getting dressed and putting on SPANX.

Spanx

I’ve never seen Spanx look baggy before and besides, I was getting a little peeved that people who can’t be more than a size 0 and who could shop in Children’s departments are allowed to buy these things. Thank God I have a positive self-image of myself. Granted, I can be guilty of obsessing over wrinkly knees and a new mole/freckle, but I’m not going to walk around and talk about losing weight in front of people who really need to lose weight. In America, all I ever heard people say was, how small I was, well here in Tokyo, I am M-Size. Medium. I like my body. It’s not perfect. Since I have discovered that I am M-size all over (including when buying shoes), I like to think of myself as Aristotle’s Golden M-size. I have breasts and hips and occasionally fried foods. I like to drink and eat what I like. My sister and I have talked about the misery of people trying to be sizes smaller than their bodies want them to be. Life is too short. M-size me all day. As far as I’m concerned, M stands for Mighty happy.

COOKING

Since moving here, I have revived my love for cooking. Much of the credit goes to Hema Parekh for inspiring me to go to the store and buy local ingredients and cook vegan meals for my family and be confident that if you make it they will eat it (especially if no one else in the household cooks). Sometimes I go full Vegan and sometimes I add a little flesh to give my omnivores a sense of fulfilment. I hope you all don’t mind, but I am really proud of some of the dishes I am creating so I will occasionally include photos of what I make. Here are a few:

Tuna Onigiri

Vegetarian Soba in Hot Broth

I know it looks busy, but this is one of the benefits of home cooking. If you were to go to a restaurant and ask for all this extra ingredients it would cost a fortune! So yummy on a cold day.

Vegetarian Yakisoba

One day I asked Cliff and Chase what they wanted for dinner and Chase said, “Make some fushi mom!” This is what I refer to as fake or vegetarian sushi. So I did!

Fushi and Sushi

I was worried that they wouldn’t like the fushi so I broke down and purchased yellow tail and salmon as filler. They ate it all!

Have you ever had that experience where you go somewhere and you think, “I could make this myself!” During my excursion at Disney Sea, Chase begged me to buy him something that looked like mango frozen on a stick. I don’t think I am cheap by any means, but I just couldn’t bring myself to pay 500 yen for something that looked so simple, so I promised him I would try making it myself and if he didn’t like the results, next time we came, I would buy it for him.

Mango Pop

I think that is the face of one satisfied customer.

RECIPE:

1 Large Mango Slice

1 Chopstick

Wrap with Saran wrap and Freeze until frozen.

Eat when ready

Until next time…

Bad Signs & Politics

January 21, 2012 By in Daily Living, Japan, Kathryn, Living in Tokyo, Tokyo, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

This blog is inspired by another fellow blogger who is known as the Good Greatsby. There are many things that get lost in translation. Here in Japan, signage is probably one of the more interesting manifestations of this.

Got your attention?

From my favorite snack shop

What is pirie sharp taste? If anyone reading this understands this flavor, please explain it to me. I guess I just need to buy a bag of snack with the red dot and experience it myself. I’m sure as soon as I take a bite, I will say, “Man, this is so pirie sharp tasting!” And they couldn’t spell Soy Sauce correctly?!? What the heck is bare boiling dry taste? Readers, just for you, I’m going to buy some of these snack treats and translate it for you.

The Japanese are hooked on Phonics

Inside one of my favorite bakeries

I guess if you eat one of these pastries, you too can be “Glamous”. I don’t really get the connection between pastries and feeling Glamous, but maybe I should give it a shot.

I passed this sign near our apartment building. I think they are advertising vacancies in this apartment complex. Again, all these smart people and no one thinks to ask an English speaker to proofread.

What the heck is going on in America? Thanks to Fox Radio, I am keeping up with the news of America and I have to say, it ain’t pretty. I wish people/press would take a moment to consider how they are coming off in the global community. It is very ironic to me that everyone is trying to make such a big deal out of Newt’s Ex-Wife’s interview with ABC. Her confession about Newt asking if she would abide by an open marriage. The first thing that came to my mind was that Bill Clinton had an open marriage with Hillary, he just didn’t have the balls to ask permission first. Let’s be honest, what man doesn’t want to ask his wife this question? Shit, I asked my husband last year if we could have an open marriage (btw, he declined). I think Newt Gingrich should have t-shirts made that read, “I’m Republican and Open.” I know I’d buy that shirt. I’m not saying I am definitely voting for Newt, but I have to give the man props for standing up to the press and being so transparent in his marriage. Personally, I think if he was my husband and asked if I’d be willing to share him, I think I would have said absolutely.

Until next time…

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