Earth Quakin

So I again live where earthquakes are a regular occurrence. The elevators have special sensors that detect quakes and take you to the nearest floor and let you out when they occur. We had one here while I was sitting at the computer. It was sharp and quick. I was not even sure I had felt what I thought it was. I had to confirm with other people that I had indeed felt a quake. The good news is that I remember all the stuff we were taught in school (here in Japan) about quakes and what you need to do to be safe. I wonder what other geological/weather phenomenons I will experience while living here?

Lunch with the girls

Last week while eating lunch with Heide and Li (Heide and I had Subway and Li had what looked like the BEST BLT on the planet) we started talking about Heide's husband's homecoming. He was bringing home most of his laundry dirty. Li asked if they had a housekeeper to help with the laundry. Apparently there was a lady available but she would wash only 9 pieces per guy every two days. After a quick discussion on what counted towards the 9 pieces (a pair of socks is one piece not two) and figuring out that the guys could wash two days of uniforms and under clothing with the 9 article limit I asked about the housekeeper. Li said that in Taiwan and the Philippines and some other countries it is a normal situation to have a live in house keeper. In fact in most middle class homes there is a live in housekeeper. I was trying to process this when Heide said that she had visited a friend/family member who had a housekeeper that pressed ALL laundry including under clothing. I again had to think about this. I have been raised in what is considered an upper middle class house environment in the US and have for many many years done my own laundry. I HATE to iron and often ask the hubby to do it. But would I want someone who is not immediate family to handle my under clothing? (not really I dont even like my grandma to do my laundry). Only one time in my life do I remember a house keeper and it was in Japan. Mitzi, a little Japanese lady, would come in and clean our house (the floors, windows, carpets etc) but never pickup or do laundry. For us it was a luxury to have someone come in and help. Although I also know my mom would go crazy and clean before the cleaning lady came so I dont know why she bothered. Its an interesting conversation that brought to light the differences in the way people live their lives. I am very fortunate that although I grew up one way I have been exposed to other ways of living. I am SO thankful for the opportunity to meet such wonderful people who are willing to talk/share about their culture and the way they grew up. Li promises to teach us how to play mahjong next. I HOPE so.

The Kitchen towel

Moving one part of a multiple family home without a few mixups would be a miracle. Wile unpacking my express stuff I found an old kitchen towel from when my mom liked cows (that means it is AT LEAST 11 years old because she switched from cows to penguins when she started teaching kindergarten). At first I was upset. It is not my towel. After talking with mom and getting her assurance that its ok for it to be here, I find I am a little glad to have it. Its a tiny reminder of home and darn useful. It has been washed countless times and worn in so that it soaks up much better than some other towels (like what I got at the MCX). It has cleaned everything from fine china to spilled food on the floor. I do not have to fear that it will bleed onto other fabric and it cleans up well when I need it to. You may think "Whats the deal? Its just a kitchen towel" to me it is a touch of home.

It has happened...

Well it happened. I had to use the restroom and came upon my first squaty potty (at least my first this trip). So far all the others I have seen have been western style (with heated seats) but today it was wait for it...the toilet where you have to squat. I went in, looked at it and laughed. I took a breath and thought OK...then I heard "You can do it" (Rob Snyder esc). Luckily I have used these toilets before and I did just fine. Not as difficult as I thought it could be (kids are flexible and whatnot and I am NOT). Camping doesn't hurt either. Lets just hope I don't have to use this toilet for any serious business. There are no bars to do the orangutan hang with.

Rules and the Squeaky Wheels

I am finding one of my pet peeves is when rules are established by fearless leaders and all minions are told what to say and how to enforce said rules and then a squeaky wheel shows up and all of a sudden there are "exceptions" to the rules. THIS DRIVES ME INSANE!! It happens in schools, it happens in libraries, and I am sure it happens elsewhere. The problem is that the squeaky wheel gets the oil per say but the nice quiet wheels that follow rules do not. These quiet wheels often have nice quiet training wheels that never get the same benefits as the the loud, obnoxious, and often irritating squeaky wheels.

Japanese Valentines Day and White Day

I was talking to my Japanese co-worker about Valentines day and found out that it is celebrated differently here. On Valentines day the women give gifts to the men in their lives (usually store or homemade chocolates). I asked if the women got anything and she said no that this would happen on March 14th on White Day. White day is when the men who received the chocolates on Valentines day then give gifts (usually more expensive ie jewelry, a trip etc) to the women. Hmmm This sounds like it might be a good custom to adopt :)

Happy Valentines Day

With my Valentine away you might wonder how I am celebrating this day. I was able to Skype with Izac so that was nice. I have been receiving cards from him and rationing them like a starving person saves chocolate. I splurged and opened two today (I had to resist the urge to open them sooner). For some people cards are impersonal but I find often the cards say exactly how I feel so I like them. Izac does as well. This was a method of communication that we used fairly often during our courtship and fall back on when we are separated for any length of time (Im known to stash at least one card per trip in his baggage). I stashed a number of cards for valentines day and his birthday in his suitcase before he left. SO although we are separated Izac and I still find ways to say I Love You.

Happy Valentines Day

TMO: Our things: Round 1

Well I have some good news. Our express shipment has arrived. They will be delivering it next Tuesday at 8:30!! YAY!! I am so excited!!! Two weeks after that our household goods should arrive. I might have this place up and running by the time Izac gets back. THEN I can take and put up pictures so everyone can see the place. Video will have to wait until Izac gets back with the camera that takes video.