emiks in her own world

2006-09-03T21:59:00.000+09:00

Recently I've been wondering about the people in our lives. Don't you wish you knew the reason for each persons purpose was in your life? or what role you're supposed to play in their life? Recently I've started to understand the "star-crossed lovers" theory. Is there such a thing? or is that we want to believe it so that we think that there are obstacles in our life. I'm not just referring to our love life but to our work, family, and situations that we are placed in. Can we change the star crossed lovers theory? that it's not fate and that we can change that fate? or maybe it wasn't meant to be in the first placfed so it's not that fate is against us. I'm started to ask myself what I should do in certain situations. I've had many different occurrances this week that it's been deeep in my thought.

It was my grandpa's birthday and he turned 76 today! I love seeing my grandparents together they are so happy together. Whenever I ask about their relationship they start to get really secretive. We had an amazing meal!!!! and of course like all Japanese grandparents and relatives my grandpa wanted me to drink with him. I wish I could have a family life like him when i'm old.

2006-09-01T23:31:00.000+09:00

I just came back from Fujimama's a restaurant in Harajuku with my coworkers. I decided I needed to get to know my new coworkers and I needed to be a little more social. I'm trying to create a lifestyle here in Japan where I can definately say it's also "home". The hard part is that it's soooooo hard to find pepople that you can actually relate to. Why do some people need to be so immature and insensitive? I would think that by the time you hit a certain age you have the understanding and the maturity level where you know how to act professionally. There are so many people that don't seem to have this professionalism and it really gets to me. I'm not saying I'm the most professional person but it's the common sense small things that make me think. Also why are people so cheap? when you socialize don't you learn to not be so cheap? especially if you're working and old enough to figure out your expenses?!? If you're not able to go out and spend money then don't go out!!! I guess I always thought that as I age people will also mature but I guess everyone is different and I need to accept that. It's so hard to do so when your values, and morals seem to be different. I started to think I was wrong but it's not about being right or wrong it's about learning to filter, figure out and accept these people. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to become good friends with them.

The first week of school is finally over!!! My grandfather's b-day was today but I still haven't bought anything for him and I'm going to see him on Sunday. Tomorrow I'll go to watch Pirates of the Carribean!!!!

2006-08-30T21:45:00.000+09:00

WOW I haven't blogged in sooooooooooooo long. Sorry to my loyal readers.... not sure if you guys still read this but I try to keep you guys in T.O. updated....... After having a nice golden week i was really really busy.... I've been working and doing an internet course and from Feb - June it was soooo busy here's a recap
ok
May
Golden - went to Izu with mari, chiho and ken. it was sooo realxing and fun. I wish I could take more road trips while I was here. Too bad we couldn't swim because the water was too cold still. The fish was great and I have so many memorable photos.
Shirley came to visit again!!! yeah!!! Thanks Shirley for letting me stay at your hotel i was sooo tired that night if I went home on the train I would have overslept on the train. Sent a mother's day gift... yes a CD of Fukuyama Masaharu.... my mom likes him... well i do too. School Picnic, Track and field day, and another Chivas party.

June - It was a crazy month with a trip to the zoo, summer visitors day, end of the year performance, report cards, and the finishing of school. Also I had so many no break days since the teacher that watches the students during my prep was away. mari's BBQ was fun!

July - Janice came!!!! well before that we had Jenn's farewell party, and everyone elses bye bye parties.... Shopped becasue of the sales... I think I shopped way too much (but the sales only happen twice a year). We went to tsukiji, Kyoto, Hot Springs, Tokyo (Shibuya, Harajuku)
Went to HK, Thailand,Vietnam and Cambodia. Cambodia was the most interesting place. Highly recommend it!!!!
Back to T.O.
August - Doctor's appointment for a physical - my arm was soooo bruised... yes here we go again my fainting spell didn't happen this time but it was so bruised that i had a band-aid on it for 2 weeks. I got to hang out with friends from middle school/high school, old friends, my Japanese girls, etc etc..... Too much drinking though!!! I have a friend who is not a good influence but I had fun going out most of the nights. I had one emotional day that I was there. I think it has to do with the realization of changes in your life and the lives of others. Some people change more than others and people go their separate ways. Going on a trip makes me realize something new..... I can't explain the change but I really feel it inside of me and I feel like I've become a more knowledgable person with insights that may have made me a beter person (depends on who looks at it). But I feel that I've changed for the better.

I wish I had more time with my parents and my brother. I would never tell my brother this but I do miss having talks with him even if we argue. He always has so many insightful things to say. Our family dinner at Mikado was great! I think my dad was the most pleased I haven't seen him that happy in a while. Maybe it's just my family or a Japanese thing but we tend to not show our emotions and apprecaitaion of each other. We argue and say what we feel like because we love each other!!!!

Hmmm so I've been back for almost two weeks. I started to work right away. It's been crazy getting everything together. Moving buildings, rooms, and this weekend I may have to work 6 days again..... The Gr.3 students are wonderful but I really miss my munchkins. I keep visiting them.

Yes I will try to blog more often!

2006-04-30T11:54:00.000+09:00

Ever since I've been back I've done many new things!!! This is my new presepctive in life. Do everything and try everything new in this life time. I went hip hop dancing I love it!!!! I am soooo uncoordinated and I'm soooo bad at it. My instructor even laughs at me from time to time. I went Salsa Dancing. It was a lot of fun now this is my kind of dance esepcially because it's all depends on your partner. Yes GUYS all the steps and all the cues you need to send to the gal! I love it. but I don't have a partner to go with when I want to go dancing. I went to the AYU concert. She's sooo amazing live! Her set, lighting, effects etc. are all soooooooo amazing! I've been cooking everyday since I've been back..... what else. I went to the doctor and found out that my allergies were the reason why my ears were popping soooo much. so now I'm on medication for my dustmite allergies. JAPAN is full of DUST everywhere. I have a lot of spring cleaning to do during GOLDEN WEEK.

2006-04-06T05:27:00.000+09:00

I thought my visit back to my hometown would make me realize that I was ready to go back there. I was wrong. As much as I love the green grass, multicultural nature, food, family and friends I realized that it wasn't like the summer where I didn't want to come back to Yokohama. It's a strange feeling Yokohama feels more like home to me and I missed it. I miss the food (like always), the fast paced life (athough it is tiring at times), and my sense of worth and need in the country. I actually feel that I am alive and doing something and that there is some odd reason for me to be in this country. I have so much more to experience here before I go back to Toronto or whereever else for good. I wanted to go to difference places, learn how to cook Japanese food, learn more Kanji (Japanese characters) and understand my own sense of self. Sure there are many negative things in this country but there is for every country. I actually feel that I am stressed and have too much to do here but I can actually tell you guys that I have never been sooooo healthy in my entire life. The only thing lacking here is my family and friends. But my relatives are here and so are my Japanese friends. It's strange but I finally feel that I'm not ready to go back not for another year at least.

I hope that my feelings can change and I can get a better perspective on my life.

2006-03-18T08:35:00.000+09:00

THis week was CRAZYYY!
Parent's Day, Visitor's Day and St. Patrick's Day.
I even had to go to the doctor for them to fix my shoulders and back. I am getting old!!!
I played a trick on the kids telling them that there was a leprechaun in our school..... they really believed it. First the leprechaun messed up the whole gym and left gold pebbles.... then he took our drawings.... then he changed the gold pebbles into gold chocolates. The kids really believed it that they wanted to go look for the leprechaun at home hee hee sooooo cute

2006-03-11T08:58:00.000+09:00

I am here. I guess a lot of people from Toronto didn't know I blogged. Wel I try to blog my thoughts in order to keep in touch and also to keep a record of my thoughts. It is a nice way to reflect and remember what was going on in your life at a specific time in your life. I wish I blogged more often. Yesterday I watched Bridget Jones. Yes I have a feeling I may end up as her. Sitting at home watching TV and no no not the smoking or the drinking too much part. But for some odd reason I connected with her meaning I am getting older. I am actually closer in age to her than when I was in high school..... scary but true. These last couple of weeks I think I've been under too much stress that my stomach is acting up on me again. It's back to the way it was in Toronto before I left in 2004. I am slowly regaining my health and I think it's just that I'm due for a break (March Break!!!) I'll be back in Toronto but I'm not looking forward to the plane ride or jet lag. As I get used to the jet lag in Toronto I'll finally have to leave for Japan again. Well nothing else much to say but I have so much to do for the next couple of weeks before I leave. Report cards, parent teacher conferences, parent's day, visitors day and also getting ready to leave ( yes I need to buy things that people want).

Adios!

2006-02-22T21:34:00.000+09:00

I felt useless. Shoplifting..... I saw it and I couldn't do anything about it. What would you do?

2006-02-21T22:16:00.000+09:00

Recently I have realized that I need to hold a notebook and pen with me everywhere I go. Everyday I have something interesting to note but by the end of the day I forget what occurred in my crazy life. Yes I have soooo much going on in my life that it just leaves my memory.... or maybe I've decided to store it into STM and not into LTM since it doesn't really seem too relevent to store into my memory. Today I went to get a physical check up. They drew my blood and yet again they couldn't find my vein.... I have small veins. That's a fact!!!!! Also, I don't mind the feeling of getting a needle stuck into my vein but it's 3 minutes later when I start to realize why I don't like needles. I have low blood pressure and small veins... = fainting spells... yes I always getting sweaty and start to feel a little faint. Anyhow that's all over with now.... Tomorrow is another day.

2006-02-15T21:35:00.000+09:00

Valentine's Day in Japn is so crazy. I went to buy some chocolates for my students when there was a rush of women/girls scavaging through the already made chocolates, make it yourself chocolate boxes, the paper wrappings, decorations and other crazy chocolate stuff!!! Honetly it is sooo crazy!!!! It was probably crazier then Christmas in Japan. On the way to school on that day I saw so many girls and women with bags of chocolate on their way to work and school. I wonder how much money the chocolate companies make? No wonder Japan started it's own day March 14th White Day, it's all about economics. My students all brought chocolate for me and for other students instead of Valentine's Day cards that I'm used to in the Western Society. And guess what? the students today were on a sugar high!!!!! It was like a day after Halloween but this time it's Valentine's Day. Ever since I've been in Japan all these commercial holidays have made realize that it's all a scam and not really about the holiday itself. I taught my students the real reason behind Valentine's Day. All I can hope for is that this commercial society will not get the most of me.... I will stay true!

2006-02-06T18:01:00.000+09:00

After a very emotional week one of my students made my day! He told his mom that he didn't want to drink milk (not because he doesn't like it) but because he doesn't want to grow. Why not? his mother asked him. Because I want to be in Preschool next year with Miss Kida. If I grow I will be in Kindergarten.... he answered. I asked him today and he said because I like you Miss Kida. Just as my last week was going into a slump because Jelly boy left and Natto Boy left in December it made me realize that I still students and although some may come and go I'm impacting their lives. Children are so honest and working with younger children makes me realize how much I mean to them. When you work with older students they never express their thought like the way younger students do. Lately I've been on a low wave wondering why I am here in Japan and what my purpose is but when I hear words like this even though it's only one student it makes it all worthwhile.
Thank you athletic boy!!!!

2006-02-05T23:06:00.000+09:00

Wow!!! what a week! Very emotional week.... I think I become more emotional as I age. I used to never cry during movies, listening to songs or parting with people but ever since I've been in Japan I have. The last job that I left I cried.... The last student that left I cried..... and this week another student was leaving and I cried infront of his parents. I couldn't help it!!!! I'm going to miss him soooo much. I guess part of life is to have people come and go in your life. The only hard part is .... that you can't stay connected to some of the people.
I took the students to the aquarium this week and they had a great time! They were so excited to see all the different animals and most of all to touch the starfish!
Hmmmmm what else. I've been listening to the lyrics of songs. I'm really into figuring out what the lyrics really mean. The song that made me almost cry was exile - tada aitakute.
悲しい過去も若過ぎた日々の過ちさえキミに出会えて深い海に沈められたのに
あの頃の僕と言えば愛し方さえも知らず…ただ…不器用にキミを傷つけて優しさ忘れていた。
※ただ　逢いたくて…　もう逢えなくてくちびるかみしめて　泣いてた。今　逢いたくて…忘れられないまま過ごした時間だけがまた一人にさせる。※
最終電車僕の肩に顔をうずめたまま寝息を立てる何よりも幸せだったよ…。
今ならば叫ぶ事もキミを守り抜く事も出来る。もう戻らない時間だけを悔んでしまうのは…何故?
ただ…愛しくて…涙も枯れてキミの居ない世界をさまよう。忘れたくない…キミの香りをまだ抱き締め眠る夜がAh~孤独にさせる…。

those are the lyrics if you can read it!
What else.... I've been doing a lot of thinking and it's getting me nowhere. I guess I just need to sit patiently. It's just like my hair!!!! always cutting, coloring, perming..... just like my brother told me once "You have no patience! That's why you can't grow your hair!!!!" Well to him I would like to say "My hair is finally long!" Although I am getting a little impatient again and want to go cut it or straight perm it..... what am I doing??!!

Konshuu mo gannbaruzo!

2006-01-19T20:15:00.000+09:00

It took me 7 years and 3months to finally realize why something had occurred. At the time I could not understand why things had to be the way it had to be. I thought that I was getting hurt but I now realize that it was for the better. Wow after 7 years I finally accept this occurrance... I never thought that in my entire lifetime I would fully understand.

Today was a very insightful day of the past. I told myself that I would try not to make the same mistake twice. 25 turning 26 means that I have gone through a fair amount... and there are still more trials to come. But instead of weeping and getting sad over my age I should use it my advantage... it means that I am far wiser then I am giving myself credit for. Another blabbing blog.... I hope to one day look back at these blogs as well and realize the reason I felt this way.... Everything happens for a reason.

2006-01-18T23:00:00.000+09:00

Working in Japan in a classroom setting has opened my eyes to personalities and difference in people. Since I've been here the word "autism" and "aspergers" has become very apparent to me. I find the disorder to be quite interesting. The two children I have encountered in Japan have grown on me so much that I would hate to say they have a disorder. Strange but true...... They drive me up the wall and sometimes I want to scream and pull my hair out but at the same time they make me smile and laugh. They also make me think of human intelligence and our way of life. The student in my class is slowly developing this disorder and he is growing on me as a person with personality. I just need to learn how to adapt and how to work with him. Lately one of he keeps asking me "why" questions and also using the word "right?" at the end of each of his sentence. The why questions are not used because he wants to know the answer to a question but rather to make sure that his thought process is correct. As I reach for the tape he would ask "why are you using tape?" or "why do we need to clean up?". I have learned to pose the question back at him to make him think and understand. However, he doesn't answer his own question but has a though provoking face expression. Today and for the last few days he has been cutting up pieces of paper and sticking them into his bag. He also loves to take out toys and not play with them but move them around the classroom. He is so intelligent that he knows how to change a user name on a computer, keep blocks in patterns, multiply, read, and loves to untie knots. Today I really needed time to relax and reflect on him.... My conclusion.... I don't know what to do but he makes my life fuller.

2006-01-16T21:57:00.000+09:00

I'm finally feeling a little bit better but not completely.
Today I was happy to have my assistant return as well as one of my students. I had a chance to talk to her mom and I found out that she missed school so much that she woke up at 4am in the morning to draw Miss Kida a picture of a cherry and cherry blossom she saw in Paris. I never realized how much of an impact I had on the students in my class. Her mother said even during the trip she would constantly speak about Miss Kida. This really made my day. To know that at least one student in my class can feel my love of teaching and love of being around each and every student. Everyday I go home exhausted and sometimes wonder if I'm in the right profession or if there's a reason I'm doing what I am doing. But it's days like these when I know I'm doing what I want to be doing and that I am actually "good" at it. I love you Preschoolers!!!!!

2006-01-15T20:41:00.000+09:00

When I woke up I felt sick!!! my throat was killing me (as usual it's always my throat) I did the laundry hung it outside and i get ready to leave for church.... but I felt really sick. My voice was cracking and my throat was itchy..... Didn't end up going. I slept until noon. I had plans to go bowling with my friends so I decided to get up and go meet them. ... My throat was finally better..... Well at least better then the morning. I think it was from the constant talking to my students this whole week and without my assistant there I was doing more talking then usual.

This week....
- Balloon Phobia
- One of the students are leaving (please don't leave!!!)
- I have to stop shopping... even though the sales are great!
- couldn't believe I could actually get 123 for bowling.
- I didn't really interact with my coworkers this week... I think we were all feeling a little dull after coming back from our break.

I got an e-mail and phone call from Tomo today!!!! I was so happy to hear an old voice over the phone. Yes Kevin and Michelle will also be here shortly and we will have a reunion with the Masudas too!!!

Here are some photos from bowling enjoy!

We'll miss you Eva

Fred Flinstone/Yogi Bear always looking strange in photos

California (west coast) boys!

Mi Amigos......

HELLO KITTY bowling Shoes and bowling ball!!

I don't want to watch!!! But hey I had my lucky 7 ball!!! Where's my ice cream you promised!!!!!!

2006-01-06T05:24:00.000+09:00

I haven't had an intellectual conversation with someone for a while. Talking about life and the struggles a 25 year old has. Yes my english teacher from high school was correct every 12 years there is a crisis.... I think i am going through that mid life crisis.....
I'm at the age where I'm not settled yet I am no longer a student depending on parents to support me. I'm in a state of limbo. Every aspect of life seems to be in that state. Why couldn't I be older or younger? As my birthday slowly creeps up I may start to be enlightened with being wiser and als being closer to 30.
I really don't know what I'm blabbing about. All I know is I have a lot to think about as I try to sleep tonight. Thanks for my friend from Canada... yes you know who you are. We always seem to have sooo much to talk about for hours and hours!!!
I miss you lots.

2006-01-04T00:36:00.000+09:00

My name is.... and I have problem.... I am a shopoholic....
First step is to identify the problem...
I went shopping for the sales going on in Shibuya.....
I ended up buying too many things.
2 pairs of shoes
a dress
a camisole
a card
2 t-shirts
and trust me you don't want to know the total.

A customer at one of the stores almost fell on me.... he had sezuire. Luckly they called the ambulance and he seemed to be okay.

The sushi store was closed..... next time I'm in Shibuya we will have Kaiten Sushi!!!!

I will be staying home tomorrow...

2006-01-03T00:57:00.000+09:00

Yeah!!
I am so happy i was able to upload photos... yes I am not very computer litterate..... well I hope you enjoy the photos! Tomorrow I'm going mad shopping. I haven't had time to go since A lot was going on for Christmas (service and school concert) and New Years with family. It's nice to have family during the holidays. I wish my immediate family was here to share all the festivities! I miss you!
Today I got to relax and listen to music. Wow I have a lot of music on my laptop that I don't listen to yes I do!!!! hee hee I've got a few favourites but you can ask me which ones they are!

3 posts in a day is that a record for me?!
hmmmm

2006-01-03T00:35:00.000+09:00

Osechi! Yes this is what we eat for New Years!

Mari looking all beautiful thanks to Ken and his magical touch!

York U buddies!

It's the Year of the Dog!!! Yes it is your year Sweet Chamu! Pleaese stop shedding so much!

Eating Nabe (Hot Pot) and watching Alicia Keys and Mr. & Mrs. Smith!

2006-01-03T00:26:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year!
Maybe one of my new years resolutions should be blogging more often. I'm sorry for not keeping up to date. The Japanese lifestyle has caught up to me. After being here for over a year I realize what a "REAL" Japanese lifestyle is. I work, come home cook, eat dinner, shower, and sleep then the cycle starts over again... on Saturday it's cleaning day (yes Japan has more dust) plus the winter is killing me... the windows are all have lots of dew on it!!!!!!! That it's ruining my flooring!!!!!!!!!!!! Sunday is a full church day... so there's my life is a short spurt. yes I have told myself that I needto make more time to do the things in life I always wanted to do such as take cooking classes, go to hip hop dancing classes, do more scrapbooking, do more beaded art, baking .... etc...etc...etc... but i need to is manage my time properly.
I am going to try to post some photos up... let's see if this works!
cross your fingers

please...
please...

2005-09-24T08:43:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I had the best Thai Food in Japan. Well so far...... It's so hard to find authentic food in Japan. I think I ate too much because I'm sooo full and don't feel like eating brekie (breakfast for Australians). I finally bought my seal!!!! It's a strawberry seal but I still think it looks like a tomato (I don't care if you think I'm delusional Ken).

Yesterday was pretty exciting we saw Masayoshi Yamazaki in Yokohama!! He was practicing for his concert. Oosammbashi was nice!! I really love going there just to sit on the grass. It's sooooo relaxing plus you get a nice view of the port.

Walking to Yokohama to my house if only 20-25 minutes!!! wow sooo close.

Emika

2005-09-15T23:01:00.000+09:00

Okay a lot has happened since my last blog.
1) I got my new vacuum - it is sooo good. I have never used a vacuum with such power.
2) I have done some crazy shopping, got a roll up piano (very cool), digital camera, and new table.
3) Work has been okay, I think I finally feel that it is normal to help change children out of their feces.
4) Reading a book about autism. I have just started. I am really interested in this matter since so many children in the world are effected by this. What do we do about it? nothing? well at least I feel that we as a society can do more to help those with disabilities in life. I mean they are humans you know!!! I have learned to love every child I teach no matter how loud, crazy, or different they may be. As long as I know that the child can smile when the day is over I can smile too (^_^)
5) I held a frog for the first time and I am intrigued by this animal. I used to think they were gross!!! but wow !!! they are sooooo awesome! Miss Kida (mosquito) is what they call me (the older grades) and a frog..... hmmmmm
6) I have a long weekend coming up and I'm excited. However, I don't have any plans...... sigh.... yes maybe I am a loser ha ha ha

Well hope everyone is doing well.... I'll try to write more often.

2005-08-27T23:26:00.000+09:00

I went to buy a vaccuum today but I didn't.... why? because the salesman was a little bit annoying....

I did fireworks for the first time this year!!! Soooo happy ! and it was fun too. I thought Chamu (dog) would be really scared but she was fine.

I used Skype for the first time and if anyone downloads it then let's talk!!!! I can talk to you for free on Skype! woohoo.

I think the heat in Japan is getting to me even though I don't really notice it. I don't have an appetite... even if I'm hungry I don't feel like eating. I think that's the first sign of netsuusho.

I love Japanese peaches!!!!
I think I'm blabbing too much. gonna get going.

2005-08-25T20:49:00.000+09:00

Okay so I've been back from my trip for almost a week and I'm finally not jet lagged. Let's see.... I'm in my first Typhoon experience it's what's happening outside my house right now!!! ahhhhh
Why do Japanese ppl wear sandles in the rain? or typhoon? But they have an umbrella.... weirdness.
I start my new school year on Monday. I am soooo excited to meet my new students!
I have many things to do in my place since I got back. Need to clean and figure out where to put things in my apartment

After my trip back to Canada I have realized that I am
1) a nature girl: Banff, Toronto, Alberta are such beautiful places and you realize what you are missing when you are in a gray place like Japan. Green grass, blue skies and space! I may start to like squirrels too (I have a phobia of them.... at least before)
2) Miss my friends and family - I realize that I am truly Canadian and that my sense of humor does not get accross to Japanese people.
3) Too skinny in Canada but normal in Japan. I felt toooo thin in Canada couldn't even find a pair of pants unless they were for children.
4) miss seeing the mutlicultural food, people and things. It's such a wonderful place (Toronto)

I will keep you updated on the typhoon!!!

2005-07-22T20:47:00.000+09:00

I have been sick for the last week. It first started with a sore throat then a runny nose and now I can't hear out of my ears they won't pop!!!! My ears haven't popped for 72 hours now.... what shall I do?? I've tried everything but nothing seems to work.
Emika's update.... I will have a New Job starting August 22nd at an international school. I am going to miss my kids at YMCA. All six of them have soooo much character!!! One is going to be a scientist, the other is a total princess (cutie), another one is cool dude (wears sunglasses, and dances like Elvis/Michael Jackson), one chooses her clothes and hair at the age of 4 (Future shopaholic), one has a mushroom haircut (his mom wants him to be a girl while he is trying to be a boy), one is a total Ross (from friends). I love these kids!!! One of the girls gave me a letter that said "I love you Emika because you are cute." Isn't that soooo cute. Just the other day another girls said Emika I want to tell you a secret and gave me a kiss on the cheek and started to laugh. Today I made a tent for the children in the classrom and they were saying "oof is coming! oof is coming!" she can't pronounce wolf. They hid under the tent and set traps around the tent. Eventually all the oofs of the world had died becuase they killed them all. Other words she can't pronnounce is halligator, and hammel for alligator and cammel however, she is such a smart kid she has taught me new Japanese words such as Collision, and asthma....
Don't want to leave them !!
One aspect of teaching that I will never get over is the fact that after teaching students they have to eventually move on. You let go and fall in love with another group of kids and the cycle continues.
As one of my little princesses would say "I wuv you!"

2005-07-09T00:30:00.000+09:00

Living alone has made me notice how lonely it gets....
There is no space in a Japanese Apartment. No wonder people live with their parents.
I have noticed I am only home to eat and sleep at night.
I am turing into a gym rat. (It's my way to release my stress and keep me healthy) I don't think that's the reason I lost 4 kgs.
So many decisions to make once again. Ever since I have been in this country I have noticed there is no time for me to rest, I have a new decision to make every month which I'm not used to and not fond of. I'm not very good with changes in life ...
3 more weeks till I get back to TO!!! I miss you guys sooo much. Naoms I will laugh and giggle with you!! I haven't had any laugh attacks in Japan. Maybe I'm not funny in Japanese (language barrier?? or different type of humor??)

I'm going to go to sleep now!! Oyasuminasai!

2005-06-08T21:31:00.000+09:00

Woo HOo!!!!
I finally found a place!!! After many weeks, days and hours of hunting I found a place is that is 75% of my liking. The place is tiny (only 20m2) But it's a new place that also has autolock!!
I am going to be busy for the next week getting all my paperwork done and making arrangements for my friends furniture to my new place.

My Children hmmm.... I sometimes start to think if I should be teaching preschool but when I have children tell me "Emika, I love you" (especially Japanese children who do not express themselves like that to their parents) I get tingles and tears. I am at the point in my life when I'm trying to figure out what my true calling is. Is it to teach? or just to give love children. I don't think Japan is the best place to raise children but sometimes I feel that maybe I can make a difference in these children's lives. Hugging, Kissing, and telling me that they love me shows me that Children in Japan need to be LOVED! The Japanese culture doesn't seem to have these aspects when raising children (well most of the time)

I am excited and frightened about living on my own. I just hope I don't become depressed because I have no one to talk to when I get home =(

Gotta go do my Devotion now!

2005-05-27T18:39:00.000+09:00

Crazy!!! Crazy!!! Crazy week.... I've had a bad day today. I wake up in the morning and find that my right eye is hurting so I rub it a little bit.... Little did I know that my eyelid was swollen. My eyelid looked like a bug had bitten it ... (This has happened to me before). So what do I do?? put some eye drops and go to work. On the way to work i step on some gum so at Yokohama Station (busy station) I had to try to get it off of my shoe. By the time I got to work luckly the swelling of my eyelid went down but at work I noticed that every time I blinked my eye hurt. I went to the doctor at the Bluffs where there are a lot of Gaijins. ha ha the doctor spoke Japanese to me, got some eye drops and hopefully my eye will stop hurting.

What else.... one of my students is leaving my class since the children speak Japanese to each other... hello??isn't this Japan?? isn't their first language Japanese?? howdo you want them to communicate???? the children speak enough Japanese to the teachers and during class hours... but during activity time give them a break!!!! Children need to be children.... the other day they were playing dentist, and drew pictures of teeth and cavities (x-rays) ha ha they told me I had one cavity and wanted to look into my mouth (sooo cute). My students went into another class and I swapted with the 3 year old class and I missed them soooo much!!!! They are my babies (muah)

Tomorrow I will go hunting for an apartment... hopefully I find a decent place. wish me luck the guy who is showing me around has only been on the job for 2 months.... can't really drive (tells me so himself).... is only 21 years old and doesn't like his job.... Thought I would be nice to him by offing him a chance to find me a place. ha ha ha

2005-05-25T20:51:00.000+09:00

I haven't written in a while... so what's going on with me??? hmmm everything seems alright but I'm getting HOMESICK... never thought I would feel that way. Maybe it's because I know I'm going back in July and also knowing that I'll only be there for 2 weeks. I have made a list of places I want to go, things I want to eat, and people I need to see. There is no way I can get that all done in 2 weeks.

Work is fine except for one of the mothers. I totally understand her point of view but at the same time she could talk in a nicer tone?!

On Saturday I went to a leadership seminar. It was awesome!!!! I wish I were back home doing Sunday School, talking to the "girls", and helping out with C&C.

I am also looking for my own place but that's another story on it's own. blah blah blah... will let you know if you would like to know.

2005-05-07T12:29:00.000+09:00

I have finally joined a gym!!!
Yes Emika will finally be able to beat people in arm wrestling ... well hopefully. I started to do some weight training but I realized how weak I am... especially my arms.

Yesterday i had Okinawa Food... interesting
Goya juice.... (my friends ordered it for me b/ they didn't want to try it)
The food was great !

hmmmm nothing much new....
Started my first week of teaching, the kids are great. They are soooo cute and quiet. Knock on wood because that may change... ha ha
keep you posted.

2005-04-30T10:08:00.000+09:00

Hello!
Finalized plans
July 29th - To Toronto
August 13-20 Travelling with my Grandparents, brother (yes Chika) and Mommy!!! We will be going to Calgary and Vancouver... Have never actually been there for site seeing!!!! (^_^)
Golden week - let's see nothing really planned... I may go to Nikko to see Ken-chan and the monkey that may come after my purse thinking there is food inside. Going to Costco with my Australian buddy and her American friend (scrapping buddies). What else, hmmmmm.... trying to buy a digital camera but they are still expensive why won't the prices go down???!!
Last night I went to an expensive restaurant but the food was great! I miss hummus! I need to go to Me Va Me at Steeles and Bathurst! or any place in Steeles and Bathurst to get some hummus and pitas mmmmmmm.....

I'm going to go sign up for a gym near my house but it's soooo expensive and I need to get all my information together before I join. What a hassle. I also need to buy new shoes that I can wear indoors... Japanese ppl and their "indoor" vs. "oudoor" shoes... I've had to buy 2 pairs of indoor shoes so far because of working at a school. Umbrellas and shoes?!? I don't understand Japanese people.

Uniqlo sale is on this weekend... may have to buy some new clothes... (I didn't bring any summer clothes and yesterday was 28 degrees!! aiya)

Well my blog is getting too long....

2005-04-26T21:31:00.000+09:00

Okay here I am back again.... hee hee
New things about me!
1) I have bangs now I like them....
2) Have been working for the last month and am getting use to it... The people I work with are a little ummm.... strange except for one of them
3) Golden Week is coming up... where did that come from?? Golden week??? why not silver week, or just holiday??!
4) I started Scrapbooking.... My coworker loves scrapbooking so she's going to help me (^_^)
5) I'll be coming back in July.. hopefully July 29th give you more details when I know!

2005-04-03T20:13:00.000+09:00

Yesterday was the Crystal Kay concert!!! it was in a small live house. Sooooo cool... She was sooooo close to me!!!! I can't believe she's only 19 years old.

Hanami (eating under the sakura trees) the trees were in full blossom yet... But the fellowship with church people was great!

Shaki came to my church today!!!! yeah!!!! I think he's playing soccer with the guys right now... I hope he can come out more often.

Well new workplace tomorrow!!!
Hope I can sleep.

2005-03-30T10:15:00.000+09:00

Okay... so I've been sick for the past couple of days. Everyone was convinced that it was kafunnsho... but nope I knew that it was my tonsils acting up on me again. I wasn't able to go to the Easter Service on Sunday therefore was unable to do the announcements!!! boo
For some odd reason this week I've had so many people calling me about job offers even after I had told them that I didn't want to work for them..... Why is it that when you're not looking you find things? I even have a job offer for next year in April.... I can't think that far!!!

3 more days till the Crystal Kay concert!!!! can't wait 0(-o-)0
I also get to go see the Sakura and eat lunch under the trees!!!!

I start to work next week. But my students don't come in until the 18th. The YMCA is renovating and trying to create facilities that are better for the kinder class,,,, the facilities are horrible right now.

Today I've decided to go shopping if my nose can stand it.... I probably have to wear masks like all the other Japanese ppl.

2 things I have noticed about Japanese people.
1) When it rains they use umbrellas... when it snows they use umbrellas... when it's sunny they use umbrellas!!!! when do they not use UMBRELLAS!!!
2) When it's winter they wear masks (not to spread bacteria).... in the spring they wear masks (hayfever)... I have yet to see if they wear masks in the summer ( I will keep you updated)

About the train system in Japan, starting April they will have designated women only cars during rush hour. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?? no women is going to go into the other trains since they will be the only target.... so the women only cars will be packed... Also, it would be awful for those men who run into a car thinking he may be late for work to find out they are in a all women car. Isn't there another solution??? I wouldn't want to be the only women stuck in car full of men! We'll see how this one car thingy goes......

That's it for my blog... it's a little long....
is this turning into my diary???!! My devotion book is also started to become a diary!

2005-03-26T10:54:00.000+09:00

Okay no more pink! I FEEL LIKE GREEN!!!
It's soooo beautiful in Japan. Spring is sooooooo nice. It's about 15 degrees here. It's warmer outside than inside... strange but true.

NEWS
1) I will be working at the YMCA Yokohama branch right next to the stadium teaching preschool (as they like to call it) 4-5 year olds for the whole day. The program is in it's 3rd year and needs a lot of work with curriculum planning and so on. I have to go in next week... (sigh no Spring Break)
2) Japan lost to Iran!!!
I was watching the game until 12:30 when I felt reallly tired.... 2-1
3) Trying to clean up my room and put away winter clothes... Dry cleaning is expensive in Japan (well so is everything else)
4) I think I will finally go and buy myself a CD player and frame for my 1000 piece puzzle (which I finished in 2 weeks...) ha ha .... a little bit sad not listening to the radio and my CDs (;_:)

Hope you have a great Easter Weekend.... I don't see any easter chocolates or bunnies around here

2005-03-25T13:28:00.000+09:00

Okay it was my first time in a train during rush hour going towards Tokyo. Wow!!! so many people. Because of Yu Yano telling me that Japanese men are pervs in Japan..... I started to look around me carefully as I was riding on the train. I noticed that I was taller then many people on the train.... The men are probably scared of me. I looked like a giant (with heels on).
My interview went too well and the director wanted to hire me on the spot but I'm not too sure about the place.... seems a little iffy?! and creepy. I have decided to take the YMCA job in Kannai near China town in Yokohama. Although I love me job in Gora (Girls private school) they are unable to give me full time due to my agent ( they are charging them too much) and I can't sign with them for a full year.
Last night I watched the season finale of the dorama "H2" My mom thinks the main character looks like Shaki a little bit.
What else..... I can't wait to go to the Crystal Kay concert on April 2nd almost one week to go!!!!
I'm a little nervous about Easter Service as I will be translating the announcements! Please pray for me that I don't use my arms too much or stutter as I speak.

First posting!!!!

2005-03-24T11:34:00.000+09:00

Thanks to Michy!!! here I am blogging...
Tried to use Emixs (the Japanese ppl way of writing my name at church) as my blog name but it wouldn't take it!!!!! so here I am using the Canadian way Emiks!
If I get addicted to blogging it's all Michy's fault!!!! but it's okay because she's my fellow Yorkie Dorkie.... hey.... my name can be Emeek the Geek who wen to Yorkie Dorkie. Ha ha I'm getting too childish now.
I am addicted to PINK I think it's the Japanese influence. Hopefully you can read this (^-^)
I"m going to post and see if this works hee hee Testing testing 1,2,3