I'm having a hard time deciding how to start this blog, maybe its because I feel like I have so much to say and I'm not sure if I can say it all the way that I really want to. As usual, I thought of all these things that I wanted to write in my blog in what I thought worked for me, and of course, I didn't have a computer. So we will see how this goes. I would like to start with a bit of a reflection of my first like 12 days or something here in the Pacific!
Here are a few things that have surprised me and haven't:
I'm not surprised that I signed up to sponsor two clubs on my first day of teaching: National Junior Honor Society and Volleyball Coach. The coaching sponsor shouldn't take too much time, it is just a few weeks with no games. I just do better when I have more going on.
I'm surprised at how quickly the jetlag wall hit every night for those like first 9 days or something. I mean, staying awake until 8 was a celebration! Its why I didn't get daily #mydayin5pics posted each night. A few times I fell asleep with the draft post ready to share! lol
I'm surprised at how difficult it is to chat about my day with my peeps at the end of my day when I'm still on the buzz from the day. Mostly because that's when most of the US is sleeping soundly.
I'm not surprised at the people who are trying to keep in touch with me despite the time difference, nor those that aren't.
I'm surprised at how much fun my parents are having sending me videos on Marco Polo every day. I mean I'm enjoying it too! I don't remember who told me about the app, but I'm glad I have it for this reason. It makes it easier to talk about my day with them, because sometimes texting doesn't say what you want it too.
I'm not surprised that I got sick the first week of school. I mean, is anyone?
I'm surprised at how difficult it is to tell if something I want to eat is really gluten free or not. I mostly just look at the picture anyway, but it is quite tricky and I'm still not 100% yet, so I can't risk it.
I'm not surprised at how terrible I am at answering correctly the AFN trivia commercials "Name that State" and "Gerome the Roaming Gnome." I don't think I've gotten one correct yet...
I think I had more to write for my reflection, but that's all I've got right now. It's not like I can't write more reflections another time. Now for your Q&A section....
Where are you going to live? Aren't you going to live on base?
Since I'm an "Unaccompanied Civillian" aka "Single non military" then I have to choose off-base housing at this time. I went through the housing office to pick something out. I'm staying at the hotel on base until I move in to my new place. I've chosen a house and should be picking a move-in date soon.
How will you get around? Did you take your car with you?
Right now, a super nice coworker is taking the three of us who are staying at the lodge to school each day. As soon as I get "Advanced Pay" then I will buy a used car to use here. You can't bring your car to Japan because of their car laws and regulations, and also the roads are really narrow. I've decided to have my dad sell my car back in the states, as much as I don't want to part with it. Also, when I'm not going to work, I will more than likely just take the train or other public transportation most places.
I can't get over the time difference!! What time is it there?
If you're in the Central Time Zone, add two hours to your current time and switch the AM/PM. You can also add Tokyo to your World Clock app on an iPhone. Also, let me say that I have to get over the time difference, it is kind of the key to overcoming jetlag. I never mind telling you what time it is here, just thought I'd help. It is strange that Monday night Football happens on Tuesday morning.
So Saturday the 6th, which was yesterday, the new teachers that got here took the train to Tachikawa and shopped around IKEA. I have tons more pictures that I need to share on Facebook after this blog. OH, I also have a new cell phone and number. In fact, my dad cancelled my US number this weekend, so you should just delete that from your phone. The easiest way to contact me is either through iMessages, if you have an iPhone, WhatsApp, if you have my number, Facebook messages, Marco Polo, SnapChat, FaceTime or the USPS snail mail. Its almost Sunday morning back in the states and tomorrow is a Holiday for us, and Tuesday is a Professional Development day with no students. I'm sure I'll think of more things to share with you as soon as I hit publish, but I think we will call it good for now!
Jikai Made...
