Come Together, Right NOW!

Hello fellow friends, family and lurkers;

I have been thinking a lot this weekend about the devastation in Haiti, which most/all of you should know about by now. I feel like being across the world, I am so out of tune and out of touch with what happens, not only in the U.S., but in the entire world. I don’t watch the news, I don’t really follow the sites online (too busy reading blogs!), and so the only way I really hear anything is by word of mouth, rarely from the staff here, or from other blogs. A few weeks ago, on January 12th, when Haiti was struck with a 7.0 Earthquake, affecting over 3 million people, I couldn’t help but think, “WHAT CAN I DO?”

Sadly, I was met with some opposition (surprised?). I went to one of the teachers trying to think of ways to raise money, do events, donate clothes, anything…However, I was told by a certain figure of authority one of many things…(none of which I wanted to hear):

• Your duty is as a teacher, not as a volunteer

• We cannot talk about politics in the school

• If it’s not in the text book, we cannot teach it to the students

• There is no time for this

Obviously this isn’t what I wanted to hear. So, where ever you are in the world, if you can find a way to help or donate, you should think about it. 🙂 I will be finding other means to raise awareness and hopefully help the people of Haiti.

Links to Charities:

1. Google Crisis Response
2. UNICEF
3. Habitat for Humanity
4. Meds & Food for Kids
5. Int’l Rescue Committee
6. Direct Relief Int’l
7. World Food Programme
8. Mercy Corps
9. American Red Cross

If you can help, then go on, DO IT. 🙂

XOXO, Molly

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Bittersweet

I received a call from my supervisor asking me to please come to the Board of Education at 3pm. I don’t know why I always think I’m in trouble, but I was definitely a little nervous, considering the recent happenings with my ‘absurd’ eating habits.

I had a mini panic attack, but then asked what the reasoning for the meeting was. He explained, that it was to return my hanko (signature) stamp. Ohhhhhh, what a relief. I will admit, right here and now, that I suffer from “Fear of the Unknown” Syndrome. I’ll work on it.

Since our Re-contracting forms are due on February 5th, I decided that I would hand them in today, being that I already made my decision. Each ALT was given a stack of papers to fill out (more if you decide to stay). Once I sifted through them, I found the one I needed: Please CIRCLE your decision-

• A: Yes, I am re-contracting for the 2010-2011 year (or something along those lines)
• B: I have decided not to renew my contract for another year

As you’re all aware by now, I’ve decided not to re-contract. However, when I arrived at the Board of Ed Office, I was a little worried about telling the supe, in fear of letting him down.

I handed over my forms and when he saw what I had circled, he seemed surprised by my choice, and asked, “Ah, why?” I went on to explain that it was a very difficult decision, but I want to continue school, I am lonely, etc. I tried to explain the best way possible, with the little English/Japanese that either of us know. I was surprised to find myself getting teary-eyed (especially after this whole week of not really liking it here). There are MANY things I like about Japan, and so naturally, I was a little sad to say I was leaving, even though it felt good to know that. As I walked down the main street towards my house I felt like 1000lbs had been lifted. Knowing FOR SURE that I would be returning home at the end of July- what a relief. I celebrated by eating chocolate, watching the Biggest Loser, falling asleep on my living room floor at 7p.m. and definitely NOT going to the gym. Looks like the past week has really taken a toll on me! I was wiped out!

~Molly

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Looking Back

The last 6 months~

In JULY: Saying goodbye to my family

Oops, I mean my real family:

In AUGUST: Looking from the top of Mt. Ajara over my small town, fireworks in Omagari, and the Opening Ceremony for fall term.

In SEPTEMBER: My welcome Enkai (when I lost my wallet and $150, ouch), our trip to Sapporo.

In OCTOBER: Apple Marathon, Culture Day, Trip to Mt. Osorezan, and the tour of Aomori with Mr. eigo sensei.

And then came NOVEMBER: The month of Alesha’s Fashion Show debut and our own Thanksgiving feast

DECEMBER came and went in a flash: Back home to the U.S. of A.! ( I can’t believe I didn’t take any pictures at home!)

And here we are in JANUARY: 6 months since arriving in Japan!

WoW- how time flies when you’re having fun! (Which is most of the time 😉 ) Thanks to everyone who’s been following my adventures thus far! There will be many more pics, travels, and adventures to be had in the next 6 months. Look forward to the Sapporo Snow Festival, my small town Ski Trip, maybe Okinawa or somewhere warm, Megan coming, going to either China, India, Thailand, or Korea, and down to Tokyo to visit Zach and Britt from the states! Best of all- sunny, spring weather is coming soon! (Or so I tell myself, at least!) Mucho love!

~Molly

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The Little Black Sheep

As if the blonde dirty-dishwater-brown-pond-scum-colored hair (I haven’t dyed it since April :-/) and these hazel eyes didn’t make me stick out like a sore thumb already—let’s add a little opinion, small requests, and annoying habits on top of that. I fit right in. Not. I will give you a little recap of my last 6 months (oooh I should really do a post on that), but what I mean to tell you is that I’ve made quite a few cultural blunders (unintentionally of course) while here in Japan. I used to just whip out a snack or my breakfast right in the teacher’s office and go about my business. Did I mention I used to come to school in flip-flops!! Gasp, I know! I look back and think—what was I thinking?! I should have taken a Japanese etiquette class before coming here. But as I trail off from my original thoughts, here’s the issue we revisited on my 6-month anniversary. 🙂 And here, I thought I was making progress. Well, it turns out, that EVEN though I was given permission to go next door to eat my breakfast and snacks, all privileges have since been revoked. I met with the principal yesterday to deal with my ‘issue.’ Insert cultural differences here.

He said to me that, just because I am an ALT, does not make me any more special than the other teachers (I’m aware). I was merely just trying to follow the rules (but apparently was breaking them?!)…You see, Japan is a collectivistic culture. Do we know what that means? Rough definition: Japanese think of others before thinking of themselves. It is very different from the U.S., because here in Japan, you are expected to follow suit. Everyone does the same thing, no one goes against those practices and then everyone gets along great, right?! I think wrong. Here’s why. The Japanese aren’t really raised to think for themselves. They have been instilled with this cultural ‘norm’ to just do what everyone else does and don’t really ask questions. I have learned a lot about the culture since arriving here (considering my previous knowledge and understanding was pretty minimal) and I don’t think my “way” is right or wrong, it’s just different. Which then leads me to- do I break the rules and do what I think is okay, or do I follow the culture and not piss anyone off. I was told that I must eat breakfast at home (EVEN THOUGH…they told me before that it was fine…and I am in Hirosaki every night because of the gym, go to bed at 12, wake up at 6a.m., catch the train, go straight to school, arriving 30 minutes early…but that’s not enough time to go home between the station and work.) Therefore, I am really pressed for time in the a.m. My choice, yes. Ok, so no more eating breakfast at school, fine, I respect that- even though I was previously told I could, oh well. BUT, the problem I have is that I’ve been informed that is “very bad to eat when it’s not lunchtime.” Ok, so from 6a.m. to 12:30p.m. I’m supposed to just magically have enough energy to get me through teaching and whatnot. I can barely last 2 hours. I eat about 5 or 6 small things a day, and like I said, not wrong, just different. When I mentioned this, I was told, “Oh, the Board of Education did not tell us you had a health condition.” I don’t have a health problem, I’m just different than you, that doesn’t make it wrong!!! So, obviously I was peeved. It just annoys me that I see the other teachers snacking ALL DAY LONG, but since they are eating little candies/cookies/dried fish chips, that makes it legit, but my apple or pieces of apple is not appropriate (or so I’m told). AND, furthermore, just about every hour, the teachers who choose to SMOKE are allowed to go outside behind the garage and take their 10 minutes to ingest cancer. Ok, so, here I am thinking, I can’t take 2 minutes to have an apple, but these teachers can break for cancer sticks? So frustrating. However, smoking is socially acceptable whereas eating outside the 3-meal-a-day time frame is not. What pushed me over the edge, as if I hadn’t already jumped, was when one of the teachers requested me to stay after for English Club (again, no problem), but it’s till 5 or 5:30p.m., and since that is still considered ‘duty time,’ it is not acceptable to eat. If I don’t fall over dead by this point, I may be walking and talking, but I’m for sure enduring a major headache and probably the shakes. That’s nearly 5 hours with NOTHING.

So, yesterday was a frustrating day. I don’t think it’s fair in my opinion, but it’s the Japanese way, so what to do, what to do…Just starve? Or you can eat a pear in the bathroom stall like I did. I know, I’m the Little Black Sheep in this country.

Did I mention that I still “drink too much water too?” My word, can I get a break around here?

Correct me if I’m the one who is being unreasonable here. Thanks.

Luckily I have the gym to get out all of my angst. That’s all of my ranting, promise.

~Molly

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Announcements!

Mmmk. I’ve neglected to share a few BIG things with you all.

1.The MN Vikings lost on Sunday, 31-28 in overtime to the New Orleans Saints. Upsetting. The Vikings have lost 5 straight NFC title games. This would have been the first time in 33 years that the Vikes made it to the Super Bowl.

2. In January, we are celebrating 2 BIG birthdays, my dearest Aunt Judy and Uncle Brian! I hope you had great birthdays and that all of your wishes came true! 🙂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

3. The biggest news of all- My friend Megan has BOOKED HER FLIGHT TO JAPAN!!! WAHoooooooooo! Here is the hoTTest pic of us…evah! Here, in our prime— way back in high school:

Yea, that’s right. THIS girl is comin’ to see me and I can’t wait!!! 🙂 She’s coming at the end of April, just in time to see the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom season/Festival, as well as during Golden Week, where we’ll get to travel to either China, India, Thailand, or Korea. Let the planning begin! LOVE YOU GOOCHI! :O)

4. Miss Holly our neighborhood Everythingtarian is giving away a single serve blender! Don’t check out her site, cuz I wanna win (kidding, kinda)!

5. Today marks 6 MONTHS since I arrived in Japan. Wow, 6 more to go. That went FAST!

6. The Elephant in the room…Do I re-contract for another year in Japan?!

.

.

.

.

.

After LONG, and hard thinking, praying, making lists, going back and forth, more thinking…

I came up with why I should stay-

1. Teaching the Junior High students is extremely rewarding. When the kids approach me in the halls or in town and speak to me in English, it’s so exciting to see that they are learning what I taught them. They are quite humorous as well. (i.e. Boys shouting: MOLLY I ‘LOB’ YOU!)
2. The money is good. Being the the U.S. economy is slightly unstable and unpredictable, I would have a secure job here, helping me pay back student loans, my parents, and have a little money saved on the the side, too.
3. I have met some really great people here on the JET Program, as well as Japanese friends. Since we are all from different places in the world, I may never see some of them again.
4. The convenience to travel to other nearby countries that I most likely wouldn’t otherwise be able to do.

Now, reasons to go–

1. It is lonely in this little town sometimes.
2. I don’t know Japanese.
3. I want to start pursuing my career in Health Communication
4. I don’t plan to be a teacher, and if  I stay another year here, that’s just another year I am behind in job searching back home.
5. I obviously miss my family and friends a lot.
6. I want to go to grad school.

SOOOOO- after my Pro/Con list…I’ve decided to RETURN TO AMERICA. 🙂 I think this is the best decision for me, and although I do love Japan, I ready for the next stage and adventure in my life. So, there ya have it. I am coming home.

~~~~~

I made it to the gym last night, had more energy than I knew what to do with, so why not crank out a 10k, eh? I ran, and fast, for the first 30 minutes ranging from 10.0-15.0 (16.o is the fastest it goes), for a total of 6k, then had to get off the “30 minute limit” treadmill, waited 5 minutes, did triceps dips on the bench, and then continued my run at a constant 10.0 and 1% incline for another 20ish minutes until I reached 4k. That’s a whopping 6.4 mile run. It’s been ages since I’ve done that far (esp. on the tread- I much prefer outdoors)!

Other than forgetting my bra at home, it was all in all a good night. 😉 Guess I’ll make a quick pit stop in the morning before school starts, otherwise it will NOT be a good sight to see.

Nighty night.

~Molly

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A Wee Bit

Skype fam. Check. Eat French Toast made by the loverly Rach. Check. Walk to Alesha’s and wake her a$$ up before noon for once. CHECK. CHECK.

I was up and Adam (is that the phrase?) by 9:30 Sunday morn, no alarm (as to not disturb my R.E.M. cycle). Thanks Angela for the great tip! I told myself the night before, I want to wake up before 10a.m. And I did. 🙂

I made my way across the city by foot, clunking in my new boots and got to Alesha’s just in time to wipe the brow of a little perspiration. Alesha and I started a “tradition” you could say, by spending Sunday afternoon watching a period drama (defined by our Bri-ish Alesha herself: any movie that has elaborate costumes and takes place a long time ago). Last weekend we watched Pride and Prejudice. It was my first time and I loved it.

Mr. Darcy: And… what should I call you when I am cross? Mrs. Darcy…?
Elizabeth Bennet: No! No. You may only call me “Mrs. Darcy”… when you are completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy.
Mr. Darcy: [he snickers] Then how are you this evening… Mrs. Darcy?
[kisses her on the forehead]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy…
[kisses her on the right cheek]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy…
[kisses her on the nose]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy…
[kisses her on the left cheek]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy…
[finally kisses her on the mouth]

AWWW, go ahead, shed a tear, I did! 🙂

However, my attempt to watch ‘Braveheart’ just wasn’t happenin’ this time. I could not focus. Even after filling our bellies with yummy soup, salmon, and chocolate. Great combo, I know.

We settled on “It’s Complicated” with Meryl Streep. And if you remember my crushes?! Yea, John Krasinski from The Office is in it, and I love him so. I also really enjoyed Steve Martin in it, too. A feel-good film (well not the cheating part).

My walk home from the station at 10:30p.m. was attempted to be hasty, considering my large consumption of tea and water throughout the day. I had to go peeeeeeeeeeee. So bad. But the black ice covering roads was not allowing me to move fast enough.

Now…what I’m about to share may shock some of you, or maybe you’ll just laugh at my misfortune.

I was rounding the corner to my neighborhood and I tried to speed it up, due to the dire emergency…then it happened, my left boot failed to deliver- no traction- and it all happened so fast, my leg slipped up and I cried a wee little yelp, and caught myself from falling, but I wet my pants!!! HAHA. Omg, how embarassing. I don’t know why I just told you all that, but it was just….a little bit.

I obviously unloaded my belonging, and went straight to the bathroom!

Got my lunch made, laundry done, showered, cozy, and off to bed!

~Molly

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The Other Side

I love me some sunny Saturday strolls.

I know I’ve previously stated that I also like not moving for the entire weekend straight as well, but throw in a lil’ sunshine and tunes, you’ve got some instant motivation. Here was my Saturday~

I wasn’t sure if this was a restaurant, or what, but it definitely did not seem to fit with the traditional Japanese style buildings. I liked it though.

Other things that made the list~

• Grocery Shopping hoarding produce
• Vacuuming
• Making Dinner
• Skyping Sissy
• Train to Hirosaki
• Gym
• Y500 purchase at the thrift store (Jackpot!)
• ZZZZZZZ

~ Molly

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Japanese Fire Drill

Wow, the week really flies by when you are actually teaching classes. I haven’t kept you up to date in what seems like forever!

After lunch I was fortunate enough to experience a Japanese Fire Drill. First, to alarm the students, the vice principal sounds the horn over the loud speakers. Everyone starts to run. The principal takes off down the hall waving a huge red flag, while the other teachers break off and check each of the classrooms. Then the children are all lead into the gym (the best part, they are all covering their mouth and nose with a hand towel). Please tell me, why, in a fire, we are all being led into a building connected to the school to sit on the floor and wait. Hmm, I feel so safe. 🙂 Lucky for us, it wasn’t a real fire, as the students were directed to answer all questions of safety since it was a drill. Let’s hope there isn’t a fire until at least spring, so the 4 ft snow banks blocking all the exits will have somewhat melted!

~~~~~~

It was pretty nice after work, so I went for a walk/run on the ice rink filled roads. Let me tell you, when you’re bracing yourself as to not slip and break a hip, you really get a great inner thigh workout!

I came home and made the worlds best dinner. I boiled pumpkin, carrots and carmalized onions until soft. Strained them, blended into soup, put back in the pot, added back a little of the broth, some cinnamon and spice, and all things real nice. I like thick soup and so it was pretty much a baby food texture, but with amazing flavor. I threw some chickpeas on top and dove right in.

Spent the night catching up on my shows and doing a little yoga. It was very relaxing!

More tomorrow- cuz Saturday I went for a glorious stroll and have pics to share!

~Molly

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Bubble Pad Reverse (Con’t)

Good day all~

I’ve been M.I.A. for the last few days, since I’ve been getting back into the swing of the gym, my hectic schedule doesn’t allow much time for fun, like blogging. Boo. However, yesterday was filled with this-n-that, so I will enlighten you all!

First of all. Bubble. As in the personal bubble. It doesn’t exist here in Japan. For example, when I walked onto the train last night bound for Hirosaki, I set down my one bag (and while I was carrying a futon mattress) I needed a little space. Let me preface for you- in our car, there was maybe 5 passengers, if that. Yet, the lady who boarding behind me decides, hmm, this girl has a lot of stuff, I think I will sit 6 inches from her. Hmm. Don’t get me wrong, 95% of the time, I am a people person. However, when there is a wide open train and I still haven’t set all of my things down, do you, Japanese woman, feel the need to sit on top of me? Before I could squeeze only my left cheek beside her, I opted for a new spot.

I’ve found that the Japanese culture as a whole doesn’t really believe in personal space. I’ll be grocery shopping and you know when you stand in the isle, within arms reach of a product, it never fails that my little townie shoppers are right there, and will even walk right in front of you to grab something, or just stand in front of you looking. I graciously back up and ‘give them their bubble’. OOOOOh the cultural differences…

Now, my new pad. I stated above that I was carrying a cumbersome and bulky futon onto the train yesterday. You see, I sleep at Rachelle’s just about every night of the week, thanks to my awesome and convenient (not) gym membership. I usually sleep in her living room on the air mattress. Being that it’s winter, there is one thing I will warn all of you of–if you’re residing in a place where you turn off the heat at night (like us lucky folk here in Japan), it is ill-advised that you sleep on an air mattress, for if you do, you will experience not only the temperature of the air around you to reach near 30 degrees (or so it seems), but also the air in the mattress, surrounding you in a sea of chilliness. BRRRRR. The air mattress wasn’t so bad when the weather was decent, but now, I wake up in the middle of the night (or don’t even fall asleep) because it is soooo dang cold. I’ve never felt cold like this before. Don’t get me wrong, I like cold air and warm, heavy blankets engulfing me, but when ya got no heat, and only a few blankets- air mattresses are not the way to go. PLUS*** They squeak incessantly throughout the night during every body movement you have. So, lesson learned, bring a futon (mattress) to your guest’s house and you will not regret it. Last night, the second my head hit the pillow I was out! ZZZZZZ.

Pause in my thoughts and rambles.

Back in the day of sunny weather, tan ski, and happy faces. *Nebuta Fall 2009*

Ok, back to reality and dropping temps:

Last night once Aya and I arrived at the gym, we were scopin’ out a parking spot. There are never any! However, we did find this tiny little nook that we could squeeze into. I won’t lie though, sometimes Aya’s driving is—haha, oh just…yea, no comment. So as she was pulling forward, backing up and repeating like 10 times, I graciously offered to back into the spot for her. Now, my love for driving doesn’t mean it applies in Japan. Even though I have a permit here, I don’t think, for the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, bikers (you name it), I should be on the road (left side mind you). But, once I figured out that the gears were on the left and the wipers were on the rights, I was able to reverse that baby right up and practice my 90 degree/parallel parking skills. No nics, scratches, or dents involved. Yay! Maybe I should invest in a car here afterall?!

Well, it was a late night and early morning, but the gym is back on my agenda and I’m loving every minute of it (well almost).

~Molly

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Bubble Pad Reverse, REVERSE

Doesn’t this title just lure you right in?! What on Earth could I be referring to? Well dear friends, it’s now midnight, I just got back from getting my bootie kicked at the gym, and I’m holding my eyelids open. I will enlighten you all in the early a.m. Happy Tuesday all…and Wednesday to us Asian Adventurers.

Thank you for coming back in like, hmm- 10 hrs.

Much love.

~Molly

SEE FULL POST HERE.

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