It hasn’t quite set in…

Almost 36 hours ago, I got on a plane (the first of three) and said goodbye to Okinawa. Since I arrived in Hawaii a little over 12 hours ago, I’ve caught up with the fam, gotten a pay-as-you-go cell phone, eaten one too many dark chocolate acai berries from Costco, and managed to partially unpack the … Continue reading →

Blood Types

Whereas [some] people in the States are really into horoscopes and zodiac signs, here in Japan it’s all about the blood type… possibly to an even greater degree.. “What is your blood type?” is not necessarily asked as a cheesy pickup line, but more as an attempt to place you neatly under one of four … Continue reading →

What happens at the nomikai…

An important part of Japanese social culture (and a rite of passage for any ALT) is the nomikai, a Japanese drinking party held among coworkers or fellow members of some group, club or team. It often marks or celebrates an important calender event or happening, and it usually takes place at an izakaya (Japanese restaurant pub), unless it … Continue reading →

What would Lisa Turtle wear?

Or Donna Martin? Hilary Banks? Cher Horowitz? Her alter ego, the hot, badass chick from the Aerosmith videos? As my birthday approaches this year, these are important questions I’ve had on my mind. Also, my affinity for Halloween and anything with a theme verges on religious fanaticism. The perfect combination, wouldn’t you agree? That’s right, … Continue reading →

10 Reasons Why Japanese Convenience Stores Are Actually Convenient

The three konbini mainstays you’ll find in Okinawa. Japan is full of surprises–one of the better ones is the local konbini (コンビニ, short for konbiniyensu sutoa), which hands down kicks the ass of any 7-11 back home. There’s so much you can actually get done at them! Here are just 10 of those things. . … Continue reading →

But are you REALLY that busy??

I had an interesting “fish out of water” experience at work today. A guy with a cooler tote full of manju wandered into the staff room looking to sell his wares this afternoon. Though these type of salespeople have come to my apartment before, this was the first time I’ve ever seen one at work… … Continue reading →

At least then I could feel anything at all?

Things have been not as great as they usually are around here over the past few weeks. Feeling like being vague about it; cue song with lyrics (and adorable accompanying video) of which sum up the situation pretty well. The band is Paperdoll, which I discovered last year thanks to Angry Asian Man. Mad love … Continue reading →

A Supermassive Black Hole

… is where I’ve been hiding. Sorry blog readers! (of which maybe there’s like, 2) More importantly, I swear that since I’ve been in Japan I’m permanently being followed by this said huge hole that thoroughly enjoys sucking up lots of things that I love and are important to me. So far objects claimed by … Continue reading →

Update on the “hairy” situation

I walked into my appointment at 5-ji han on the dot yesterday–a little nervous, but equipped with photos of the haircut I wanted (not the scary possessed woman I posted below!) and prepared to speak an instructional sentence or two. The woman who greeted me began to speak to me in Japanese, and I promptly said, “Sumimasen … Continue reading →

Attention, Japanese shoppers!

Since it is usually my annoying habit to write extremely epic and long-winded updates, I thought I’d give everyone a break (myself included, though I haven’t written a real entry for few weeks now… combination of busy-ness and laziness [more often the latter]), and post a primarily picture update. And what better subject to cover … Continue reading →