Gorgeous and sunny warm day.
Today was my last day in Canada. It's bittersweet. I'm looking forward to going home to see my husband, but I'll really miss my family here.
I had a nice breakfast this morning, then did up the last of my packing. I got the little suitcase to close quite easily, now for the big one. I'll have to pack away today's clothes in the morning. Should be fine.
Van took me to the store to get some nutrition bars for the airplane, in case I don't like the food on the plane, or the meal gets delayed or something. I also got new insoles for my shoes and a couple of boxes of cold medicine.
After Katie came home from school, the four of us went outside and played on the front lawn. I played oversized flying disc with Zachary, which was a lot of fun. He's a sweetie.
In the evening Van made dinner and we relaxed. Later on we watched some TV and then I went downstairs to finish getting ready.
I think and hope that I'm ready. Wish me luck! I won't be able to update for a few days, possibly Friday at the earliest. Don't miss me too much! Night.
Showing posts with label September 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label September 2008. Show all posts
Monday, September 29, 2008
Warm and sunny, bit of a chill in the air though.
Yesterday was a good day. I slept in for a bit, then got up and joined the family. Joe had gone off to work but had left me some omelette mix for my breakfast. I made an omelette and then cleared away my plates and things.
Kate and I did a lot of dancing in the morning after that. She put on a few good tunes and the pair of us danced around the kitchen. It was nice to have the space to do that, and a partner who could dance too. We had a lot of fun, but I was really sweating after 4 or 5 songs.
I came downstairs after a while, re-watched The Princess Bride and also tried packing my little suitcase. It wasn't too bad actually, so I might be okay. I'll try re-packing my big suitcase now too. I've decided not to put the candy and the soap in the same suitcase...just think it makes sense somehow!
I went out with Van and the kids later on to the grocery store. When we came back Katie and I threw around an oversize frisbee on the lawn for a while. It was fun too.
Joe brought us dinner later on from a dim sum restaurant and it was good. A lot of it was stuff that I can get in Japan, but it was good.
We all watched a bit of TV, but Kate had to go to bed for school, and after a while Zach started to be quite nasty to me. He hit me in the face with a book then started kicking me. I asked him if he wanted me to go away so he said yes. I did, and then he got upset. I felt a little sorry for him, he's only 3, but I was getting tired and needed to be on my own for a bit.
I watched a bit of the Iron Chef but finally fell asleep and woke up at 2:30 with the TV still on. I turned it off and went to sleep.
This is my last day in Canada, so let's hope that it's a good one. Wish me luck. Bye!
Yesterday was a good day. I slept in for a bit, then got up and joined the family. Joe had gone off to work but had left me some omelette mix for my breakfast. I made an omelette and then cleared away my plates and things.
Kate and I did a lot of dancing in the morning after that. She put on a few good tunes and the pair of us danced around the kitchen. It was nice to have the space to do that, and a partner who could dance too. We had a lot of fun, but I was really sweating after 4 or 5 songs.
I came downstairs after a while, re-watched The Princess Bride and also tried packing my little suitcase. It wasn't too bad actually, so I might be okay. I'll try re-packing my big suitcase now too. I've decided not to put the candy and the soap in the same suitcase...just think it makes sense somehow!
I went out with Van and the kids later on to the grocery store. When we came back Katie and I threw around an oversize frisbee on the lawn for a while. It was fun too.
Joe brought us dinner later on from a dim sum restaurant and it was good. A lot of it was stuff that I can get in Japan, but it was good.
We all watched a bit of TV, but Kate had to go to bed for school, and after a while Zach started to be quite nasty to me. He hit me in the face with a book then started kicking me. I asked him if he wanted me to go away so he said yes. I did, and then he got upset. I felt a little sorry for him, he's only 3, but I was getting tired and needed to be on my own for a bit.
I watched a bit of the Iron Chef but finally fell asleep and woke up at 2:30 with the TV still on. I turned it off and went to sleep.
This is my last day in Canada, so let's hope that it's a good one. Wish me luck. Bye!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Warm and sunny, cooling off quickly in the evening.
Yesterday was one of those great days that you hope you'll have, but don't really have very often.
I got up yesterday, showered, and had a bit of breakfast. Michelle picked me up and we drove into the city to the place that we were supposed to meet Sherri. When she came, we all went shopping in Additionelle. We had a great time. We all tried on the same style of shirt at one point and got our picture taken in it. It was funny. We all ended up trying on clothes that we normally wouldn't wear, and got some great finds. I was talked into getting a few things that I maybe normally wouldn't, but I think it's okay. We realized afterwards that we spent 2 hours in the store!
We had lunch afterwards at Joeys. It was nice too. We had a huge gab session. We had a lot to catch up on. The three of us were very close in high school. There was another member of our group, but none of us have been in contact with her for years. In high school we were the nice, smart girls. We weren't out every weekend drinking and partying, we got quite good grades, and didn't get into trouble. I've kept in contact with Michelle all through the years, but Sherri got married a couple of years after high school, round about the time I went to University, so we lost touch. There wasn't as much internet use back then.
After lunch we went to Laura, another store. I did quite well there. I got a pair of jeans for myself and a vest for work. I've been wanting a structured vest to make my clothing for work look a little more professional. I really hate jackets in the heat.
From there we had a drink at Booster Juice, then hit the teacher store nearby. After that we went back to Cotton Ginny and tried on a few more clothes. We didn't have much time as the store was closing in 30 minutes. I got a tank top and a pair of casual pants.
We hit Tim Horton's for coffee and more chat. It was great! Finally though, we had to go our separate ways. That was sad, but understandable. There were hugs all round and then Michelle drove me back to Vanessa's house.
At Van's I watched TV for a while with the family, then Joe, Katie and I watched Wild Hogs. It was okay. I'm glad I didn't pay to see it in a theatre! As always, I thought William H. Macy was good, but the rest of the movie wasn't as good. Still I did laugh a few times, so there you go!
I went to bed after the movie. I was really tired, but very happy. I had also gotten a sweet email from my husband so that was nice.
Anyway, that's it for me. Yesterday was great. I really loved it.
Today, no plans yet. I had some, but they fell through. Should go now. Bye!
Yesterday was one of those great days that you hope you'll have, but don't really have very often.
I got up yesterday, showered, and had a bit of breakfast. Michelle picked me up and we drove into the city to the place that we were supposed to meet Sherri. When she came, we all went shopping in Additionelle. We had a great time. We all tried on the same style of shirt at one point and got our picture taken in it. It was funny. We all ended up trying on clothes that we normally wouldn't wear, and got some great finds. I was talked into getting a few things that I maybe normally wouldn't, but I think it's okay. We realized afterwards that we spent 2 hours in the store!
We had lunch afterwards at Joeys. It was nice too. We had a huge gab session. We had a lot to catch up on. The three of us were very close in high school. There was another member of our group, but none of us have been in contact with her for years. In high school we were the nice, smart girls. We weren't out every weekend drinking and partying, we got quite good grades, and didn't get into trouble. I've kept in contact with Michelle all through the years, but Sherri got married a couple of years after high school, round about the time I went to University, so we lost touch. There wasn't as much internet use back then.
After lunch we went to Laura, another store. I did quite well there. I got a pair of jeans for myself and a vest for work. I've been wanting a structured vest to make my clothing for work look a little more professional. I really hate jackets in the heat.
From there we had a drink at Booster Juice, then hit the teacher store nearby. After that we went back to Cotton Ginny and tried on a few more clothes. We didn't have much time as the store was closing in 30 minutes. I got a tank top and a pair of casual pants.
We hit Tim Horton's for coffee and more chat. It was great! Finally though, we had to go our separate ways. That was sad, but understandable. There were hugs all round and then Michelle drove me back to Vanessa's house.
At Van's I watched TV for a while with the family, then Joe, Katie and I watched Wild Hogs. It was okay. I'm glad I didn't pay to see it in a theatre! As always, I thought William H. Macy was good, but the rest of the movie wasn't as good. Still I did laugh a few times, so there you go!
I went to bed after the movie. I was really tired, but very happy. I had also gotten a sweet email from my husband so that was nice.
Anyway, that's it for me. Yesterday was great. I really loved it.
Today, no plans yet. I had some, but they fell through. Should go now. Bye!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Warm and sunny.
Yesterday was a mostly good day. I got up and blogged, then made sure I could say goodbye to Katie before she went to school.
Van had the Terry Fox run at the school so she took Zach to that. Apparently he ran almost all of the way. He's very active for such a young guy.
In the afternoon, Van drove me first to the bank so I could cash some Japanese Yen in, and then to the mall in Edmonton. I got out of the car, waved goodbye, and went into the mall.
I picked up my glasses and the lady made some adjustments on them for me. They fit quite well, and I think once I get used to them I'll really use them a lot. That's the plan anyway!
I went shopping after that. I was looking for a new suitcase. Sigh. I needed another one. I price shopped all over the mall, and while I could have got a cheaper one, I'm not sure that I could have gotten a better one. Also in the mall I had lunch at Arbys, got some things for omiyage and a magazine. I called my sister, then bought my suitcase. That was fun.
We came home and basically had a quiet evening at home. I watched Kate play games on the computer, then we ordered pizza and watched a movie on TV. Sadly, the pizza never got here so after an hour and a half we cancelled the order. I shared a cheese omelette with Katie, and had some salad and a smoky.
After the TV movie Katie wanted to watch The Wizard of Oz, so we watched part of it. Around the part where Dorothy and the Lion fall asleep, I was beginning to, so we stopped the movie and went to bed.
Today I'm out shopping with my pals from high school. I've been waiting for this day for ages. I hope we have fun. I think it is more the getting together that's important, rather than the shopping!
Bye!
Yesterday was a mostly good day. I got up and blogged, then made sure I could say goodbye to Katie before she went to school.
Van had the Terry Fox run at the school so she took Zach to that. Apparently he ran almost all of the way. He's very active for such a young guy.
In the afternoon, Van drove me first to the bank so I could cash some Japanese Yen in, and then to the mall in Edmonton. I got out of the car, waved goodbye, and went into the mall.
I picked up my glasses and the lady made some adjustments on them for me. They fit quite well, and I think once I get used to them I'll really use them a lot. That's the plan anyway!
I went shopping after that. I was looking for a new suitcase. Sigh. I needed another one. I price shopped all over the mall, and while I could have got a cheaper one, I'm not sure that I could have gotten a better one. Also in the mall I had lunch at Arbys, got some things for omiyage and a magazine. I called my sister, then bought my suitcase. That was fun.
We came home and basically had a quiet evening at home. I watched Kate play games on the computer, then we ordered pizza and watched a movie on TV. Sadly, the pizza never got here so after an hour and a half we cancelled the order. I shared a cheese omelette with Katie, and had some salad and a smoky.
After the TV movie Katie wanted to watch The Wizard of Oz, so we watched part of it. Around the part where Dorothy and the Lion fall asleep, I was beginning to, so we stopped the movie and went to bed.
Today I'm out shopping with my pals from high school. I've been waiting for this day for ages. I hope we have fun. I think it is more the getting together that's important, rather than the shopping!
Bye!
Friday, September 25, 2008
Sunny and warmish.
Yesterday was a bit of a quiet day for me. I didn't go shopping, but did go and watch Zach in his swimming lesson. It was just his second one, so he's not doing laps or anything, but it looked like fun.
I stayed at Van's the rest of the day. I tried packing my suitcase, but failed. I just can't get everything in. Sigh. I re-read the Air Canada website and found out that I could have brought 2 suitcases with me. It's a tad annoying that I didn't. Hopefully if I do some re-packing I'll be able to fit things in. I still have to buy my omiyage too.
In the evening I watched a bit of TV and then went to bed. It really was a quiet day.
Today, I'll likely pick up my glasses and I think some souvenirs for my students. Wish me luck. Bye.
Yesterday was a bit of a quiet day for me. I didn't go shopping, but did go and watch Zach in his swimming lesson. It was just his second one, so he's not doing laps or anything, but it looked like fun.
I stayed at Van's the rest of the day. I tried packing my suitcase, but failed. I just can't get everything in. Sigh. I re-read the Air Canada website and found out that I could have brought 2 suitcases with me. It's a tad annoying that I didn't. Hopefully if I do some re-packing I'll be able to fit things in. I still have to buy my omiyage too.
In the evening I watched a bit of TV and then went to bed. It really was a quiet day.
Today, I'll likely pick up my glasses and I think some souvenirs for my students. Wish me luck. Bye.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Yesterday was a nice day. It was more low key than usual so I got to enjoy myself quite a bit.
In the morning Van did a workout downstairs so Zach and I watched Cars. It was fun. I'd missed it before in Japan because of the dubbing. I didn't even get dressed until the afternoon I think!
I called about my glasses which were apparently not ready. I called one of my friends that I'm meeting on Saturday to set up a time and a place, and we had a gabfest on the phone. We haven't talked to each other in a very long time, so it was a fun conversation.
We picked Kate up after school and then came back to the house. I decided to go out and do a little shopping while Kate was at her dance class. So, Van dropped me off at Millwoods Town Center again.
I looked at a bunch of stuff, and ended up buying lots of socks and undies, and 3 casual t-shirts.
Joe and Kate picked me up and brought me home. Van had made dinner and it was very good. It was a chicken pot pie. Very yummy. She also told me that the glasses place had called when we were out and they were ready after all.
In the evening I played phone tag with a friend in the south part of Alberta and phoned Michelle to make plans for Saturday.
I did laundry and watched a little TV, but fell asleep on the TV. I was really trying to stay awake, but couldn't.
That was my day. Today, I'm not sure yet. Got to go.
In the morning Van did a workout downstairs so Zach and I watched Cars. It was fun. I'd missed it before in Japan because of the dubbing. I didn't even get dressed until the afternoon I think!
I called about my glasses which were apparently not ready. I called one of my friends that I'm meeting on Saturday to set up a time and a place, and we had a gabfest on the phone. We haven't talked to each other in a very long time, so it was a fun conversation.
We picked Kate up after school and then came back to the house. I decided to go out and do a little shopping while Kate was at her dance class. So, Van dropped me off at Millwoods Town Center again.
I looked at a bunch of stuff, and ended up buying lots of socks and undies, and 3 casual t-shirts.
Joe and Kate picked me up and brought me home. Van had made dinner and it was very good. It was a chicken pot pie. Very yummy. She also told me that the glasses place had called when we were out and they were ready after all.
In the evening I played phone tag with a friend in the south part of Alberta and phoned Michelle to make plans for Saturday.
I did laundry and watched a little TV, but fell asleep on the TV. I was really trying to stay awake, but couldn't.
That was my day. Today, I'm not sure yet. Got to go.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Well, yesterday was a great day. It was sunny, but quite a bit cooler. Zach had swimming class in the morning, so I went to Leduc with Van. She dropped me off at a strip mall and then took Zach to his class. I went shopping.
I did a thorough inspection of the dollar store and then went into Penningtons. I tried on a lot of clothes, including 4 possible winter coats. I fell in love with two of them. One was black, long, suitable for formal events as well as casual, and the other was purple, a little shorter, but quite nice. It was also less money. I ended up buying the purple one, because I could see myself shovelling snow in it if I have to this winter. In any case, I'm glad about that. I'll probably have to mail it to myself as I can't really see it fitting in my suitcase.
Van picked me up again and we took my bags out to the car. I decided that I would go into Millwoods Town Center to do a little shopping there before going up to Whyte Ave. Van dropped me off and I did a quick run through of Zellers, but decided to have lunch first.
I had an okay lunch at a bar & grill in the mall, then headed back into Zellers. I found quite a lot of stuff, but none of it was stuff that I wanted to carry around for the rest of the day. I did buy a couple of shirts, one for work, one more casual. In Cotton Ginny I found a couple of pairs of pants, so got those, then did a bit more looking around. Finally I decided to head up to Whyte.
I caught a bus. It took rather a long time, so I transfered at Southgate Mall to an express. I was up at Whyte Ave in a jiffy after that.
I visited my bank to get some money and to see if any of my ex co-workers were there, but the one that was left had gone home already. Then, I walked along the street.
It was great. I had some coffee at the Second Cup, got some stamps at Le Papier and then met Massie at 5:30. We decided to go to Murietta's for dinner. We had a great meal, and a great chat. I don't think there was a lull in the conversation at all. In fact, when I noticed it was almost 8 pm, we were both surprised. She walked me back to the bus stop where I was lucky enough to catch a bus immediately.
At Southgate, I went into the mall and called Joe. He was nice enough to come and get me. I was waiting outside The Bay, and it was getting close to closing time. I was quite glad when he picked me up.
At home, I relaxed with Van and Joe and Zach (Katie was in bed already). We watched a show called Fringe which is a little X-Files like. It was good.
I came downstairs after and got ready for bed. It was a long day, but a good one. I got some needed clothing for myself, saw a friend and had a great gabfest!
I've noticed something about being back "home" for the last week or so. I'm a much nicer person here. I say please, thank you, I smile a lot more here and mean it more than I do in Japan. I'm not sure if it's because I feel I belong here and I don't feel that in Japan, or just that I can be more myself in Edmonton. Hmm.
Well, off to make some calls and get dressed finally! It's been a lazy morning. Bye!
I did a thorough inspection of the dollar store and then went into Penningtons. I tried on a lot of clothes, including 4 possible winter coats. I fell in love with two of them. One was black, long, suitable for formal events as well as casual, and the other was purple, a little shorter, but quite nice. It was also less money. I ended up buying the purple one, because I could see myself shovelling snow in it if I have to this winter. In any case, I'm glad about that. I'll probably have to mail it to myself as I can't really see it fitting in my suitcase.
Van picked me up again and we took my bags out to the car. I decided that I would go into Millwoods Town Center to do a little shopping there before going up to Whyte Ave. Van dropped me off and I did a quick run through of Zellers, but decided to have lunch first.
I had an okay lunch at a bar & grill in the mall, then headed back into Zellers. I found quite a lot of stuff, but none of it was stuff that I wanted to carry around for the rest of the day. I did buy a couple of shirts, one for work, one more casual. In Cotton Ginny I found a couple of pairs of pants, so got those, then did a bit more looking around. Finally I decided to head up to Whyte.
I caught a bus. It took rather a long time, so I transfered at Southgate Mall to an express. I was up at Whyte Ave in a jiffy after that.
I visited my bank to get some money and to see if any of my ex co-workers were there, but the one that was left had gone home already. Then, I walked along the street.
It was great. I had some coffee at the Second Cup, got some stamps at Le Papier and then met Massie at 5:30. We decided to go to Murietta's for dinner. We had a great meal, and a great chat. I don't think there was a lull in the conversation at all. In fact, when I noticed it was almost 8 pm, we were both surprised. She walked me back to the bus stop where I was lucky enough to catch a bus immediately.
At Southgate, I went into the mall and called Joe. He was nice enough to come and get me. I was waiting outside The Bay, and it was getting close to closing time. I was quite glad when he picked me up.
At home, I relaxed with Van and Joe and Zach (Katie was in bed already). We watched a show called Fringe which is a little X-Files like. It was good.
I came downstairs after and got ready for bed. It was a long day, but a good one. I got some needed clothing for myself, saw a friend and had a great gabfest!
I've noticed something about being back "home" for the last week or so. I'm a much nicer person here. I say please, thank you, I smile a lot more here and mean it more than I do in Japan. I'm not sure if it's because I feel I belong here and I don't feel that in Japan, or just that I can be more myself in Edmonton. Hmm.
Well, off to make some calls and get dressed finally! It's been a lazy morning. Bye!
September 23, 2008 - Tuesday
Sunny but cooler.
Yesterday was a great day. After Katie went off to school I had a bit of time to relax at home. Then, Van drove me and Zachary to Edmonton. Van wanted to do a bit of shopping in The Running Room, but she needed someone to keep Zach under control while she tried things on. That was my job. I didn't manage to keep him still, that would take an army of aunties standing by, but he did stay fairly cheerful. Van did a lot of shopping which was really good for her.
When she finished there, I headed off downtown. I caught a bus and got off at the City Center mall. I did a little bit of looking around and had a bit of lunch. It was terribly un-healthy, but it's not like I can eat poutine in Japan is it? And yes, it was good. Very good!
A bit after 2 I went over to the library area to see if I could find the meeting place for Susan and I. I did. While I was waiting for her, I had coffee and wrote a postcard to my hubby. When Susan came, she had coffee too, and we had girl chat.
After a while we went shopping. We looked in a souvenir store, I'm looking for omiyage for my students. The prices for the stuff on the plane were just over the top. I didn't buy anything, but did get some ideas.
We shopped a bit and I talked myself into buying one of my favourite French films on DVD, Diva. It was a bit expensive, but hopefully worth it. I haven't seen it in years. Susan and I oohed and ahhed over the DVD boxed sets. Both of us love UK TV, but sadly, the sets are still really expensive.
We headed over to Whyte Avenue and met up with Steve, Susan's husband. We did a little bit of window-shopping then went to Yannis. Steve wasn't sure it was open, but I had checked the website and they didn't open until 5 so he probably got there just before they unlocked the doors.
We had a great meal. We decided to have the entree for four people, and then Susan and Steve would take the extra food home for their lunch the next day. We had a feast. The food was so good. Why is it that Japan hasn't discovered Greek food? It is amazingly tasty and fresh. We even finished with dessert each. It was an expensive meal, but a very good one.
We hacked around Chapters bookstore after. None of us bought anything, but it was so nice to be in a bookstore again that really does books in a big way. I saw a Shetland Sheepdog calendar and nearly started crying, so obviously didn't buy it. Upstairs the bookstore was really hot, so I asked if we could leave. I was getting uncomfortable to the point of being sick.
Susan and Steve drove me home to Beaumont. They didn't really know where it was, but luckily Van had given me directions that were simple. We said goodnight and then I went inside.
I helped Katie with her homework for a bit and then Van, Joe and I settled in to watch the premiere of Heroes. It was on for two hours. It was good, but I've missed an entire season, so I didn't really know what had happened to some of the people.
I went to bed afterwards, except I stayed up and watched TV! When there are so many channels it's hard to know what to watch. I finally turned off the TV after 1am. That's the latest for me in ages. The jetlag is beginning to pass. Hurray.
Anyway, that was my yesterday. I'll catch you tomorrow most likely. Bye.
Yesterday was a great day. After Katie went off to school I had a bit of time to relax at home. Then, Van drove me and Zachary to Edmonton. Van wanted to do a bit of shopping in The Running Room, but she needed someone to keep Zach under control while she tried things on. That was my job. I didn't manage to keep him still, that would take an army of aunties standing by, but he did stay fairly cheerful. Van did a lot of shopping which was really good for her.
When she finished there, I headed off downtown. I caught a bus and got off at the City Center mall. I did a little bit of looking around and had a bit of lunch. It was terribly un-healthy, but it's not like I can eat poutine in Japan is it? And yes, it was good. Very good!
A bit after 2 I went over to the library area to see if I could find the meeting place for Susan and I. I did. While I was waiting for her, I had coffee and wrote a postcard to my hubby. When Susan came, she had coffee too, and we had girl chat.
After a while we went shopping. We looked in a souvenir store, I'm looking for omiyage for my students. The prices for the stuff on the plane were just over the top. I didn't buy anything, but did get some ideas.
We shopped a bit and I talked myself into buying one of my favourite French films on DVD, Diva. It was a bit expensive, but hopefully worth it. I haven't seen it in years. Susan and I oohed and ahhed over the DVD boxed sets. Both of us love UK TV, but sadly, the sets are still really expensive.
We headed over to Whyte Avenue and met up with Steve, Susan's husband. We did a little bit of window-shopping then went to Yannis. Steve wasn't sure it was open, but I had checked the website and they didn't open until 5 so he probably got there just before they unlocked the doors.
We had a great meal. We decided to have the entree for four people, and then Susan and Steve would take the extra food home for their lunch the next day. We had a feast. The food was so good. Why is it that Japan hasn't discovered Greek food? It is amazingly tasty and fresh. We even finished with dessert each. It was an expensive meal, but a very good one.
We hacked around Chapters bookstore after. None of us bought anything, but it was so nice to be in a bookstore again that really does books in a big way. I saw a Shetland Sheepdog calendar and nearly started crying, so obviously didn't buy it. Upstairs the bookstore was really hot, so I asked if we could leave. I was getting uncomfortable to the point of being sick.
Susan and Steve drove me home to Beaumont. They didn't really know where it was, but luckily Van had given me directions that were simple. We said goodnight and then I went inside.
I helped Katie with her homework for a bit and then Van, Joe and I settled in to watch the premiere of Heroes. It was on for two hours. It was good, but I've missed an entire season, so I didn't really know what had happened to some of the people.
I went to bed afterwards, except I stayed up and watched TV! When there are so many channels it's hard to know what to watch. I finally turned off the TV after 1am. That's the latest for me in ages. The jetlag is beginning to pass. Hurray.
Anyway, that was my yesterday. I'll catch you tomorrow most likely. Bye.
September 22, 2008 - Monday
Might be cooler today.
Yesterday was a nice day. I didn't have a great night. I woke up around 5:30, watched TV for a bit before going back to sleep. I finally woke up and got up after a bit. I made myself breakfast and got ready to meet my friend.
Michelle came a little early and we took off. We drove into Edmonton and did a little shopping. We also went to see The Women, which was a total chick flick. It was okay, but not great. They had such a talented cast in that film that they really could have done something with the movie.
We did a little more shopping out in Leduc, then had a late lunch/dinner. I had a caesar salad with salmon, Michelle had a veggie burger. Then, she drove me home. I got most of my stuff out of her vehicle, the only problem was I forgot one of my new purchases. A wireless mouse for my computer. Sigh. Good thing I'll be seeing her again this week.
We had a fairly quiet evening at home after that. Katie quizzed me from a book and found out I know less than a fifth grader on US history and geography, but I already knew that! Zachary announced that he hates Michelle because she took me away for the day. Cute kid!
I went to bed fairly early, around 11 and slept quite well. I was surprised when I woke up just before 7. It's very dark out. The weather is supposed to turn on us today. We might even have snow. Oh the joys of being in Alberta!
Today I'm off to meet Susan and Steve, two old friends from college. They also lived in Japan so we'll have lots to talk about. Got to go! Bye.
Yesterday was a nice day. I didn't have a great night. I woke up around 5:30, watched TV for a bit before going back to sleep. I finally woke up and got up after a bit. I made myself breakfast and got ready to meet my friend.
Michelle came a little early and we took off. We drove into Edmonton and did a little shopping. We also went to see The Women, which was a total chick flick. It was okay, but not great. They had such a talented cast in that film that they really could have done something with the movie.
We did a little more shopping out in Leduc, then had a late lunch/dinner. I had a caesar salad with salmon, Michelle had a veggie burger. Then, she drove me home. I got most of my stuff out of her vehicle, the only problem was I forgot one of my new purchases. A wireless mouse for my computer. Sigh. Good thing I'll be seeing her again this week.
We had a fairly quiet evening at home after that. Katie quizzed me from a book and found out I know less than a fifth grader on US history and geography, but I already knew that! Zachary announced that he hates Michelle because she took me away for the day. Cute kid!
I went to bed fairly early, around 11 and slept quite well. I was surprised when I woke up just before 7. It's very dark out. The weather is supposed to turn on us today. We might even have snow. Oh the joys of being in Alberta!
Today I'm off to meet Susan and Steve, two old friends from college. They also lived in Japan so we'll have lots to talk about. Got to go! Bye.
September 21, 2008- Sunday
Warm and sunny again.
Yesterday we all had a quiet day at home. It was very refreshing and just what I needed. I'm still quite jetlagged and tend to fall asleep before 12 pm which I'm sure regular readers know is NOT me!
We had Chinese food for dinner last night. It was nice to have Canadian style Chinese food again. I don't know if it's "real" Chinese food, but I like it more than the stuff I get in Japan!
Today I'm off in a little bit with Michelle to see a movie, so I really am going to end this now. Have a good day.
Bye!
Yesterday we all had a quiet day at home. It was very refreshing and just what I needed. I'm still quite jetlagged and tend to fall asleep before 12 pm which I'm sure regular readers know is NOT me!
We had Chinese food for dinner last night. It was nice to have Canadian style Chinese food again. I don't know if it's "real" Chinese food, but I like it more than the stuff I get in Japan!
Today I'm off in a little bit with Michelle to see a movie, so I really am going to end this now. Have a good day.
Bye!
September 20, 2008 - Saturday
Sunny.
Yesterday was a good but busy day. In the morning I cooked my breakfast while Van and Katie had a bit of a fight. Still, everyone got ready and we left on time to go to Body Works. Zach was a bit of a pain on the way there, he was hitting his sister. He's sneaky for a little guy.
Van and I really liked Body Works. Katie didn't as much. I think she was freaked out by the whole idea of the bodies being from real people. It really was fascinating seeing the inner workings of bodies. After we left that exhibit, we played a little in the kids area. It was good for Zach to get some steam off.
Van drove us over to South Edmonton Common and I checked out the movie listings. The one Kate wanted to see was on at 9 pm, so a little too late for us. I suggested either Mamma Mia or Ghost Town. We chose Ghost Town, and then headed off to have lunch. Van dropped Kate and I off at Boston Pizza. That was Katie's choice of restaurant.
I wanted to have Beef Dip, but apparently with the whole Maple Leaf crisis they aren't serving it, so I settled for the Santa Fe Stromboli. Kate had her favourite, a ham and cheese stromboli. It was very good. After lunch we walked back towards the theatre and did a little shopping on the way. Kate got herself a really pretty t-shirt.
We went to see Ghost Town. I quite liked it, but it was quite British in it's humor. I don't think Kate really got it. After all, she's only 11. Still afterwards, she said she liked it.
After the movie we called Van and asked her to pick us up in Indigo, the book store. We hacked around the store for a bit. Kate found some dvds she wanted to buy, but I asked her to wait until her mum came. I didn't want her to buy something her family already had.
Van picked us up, Kate bought two of the dvds, then made her mum buy the other one. We stopped on the way home to buy pizza. It's quite nice, you buy it, take it home and cook it for yourself. They make it right in front of you, so you know how fresh it is. Unfortunately, Zach had a major meltdown. He tried to get up onto the wooden bench in the store and really banged his knee. I'll be surprised if he doesn't have a huge bruise there today. Then, we got him cheered up again, and he tried to do it again, with the same result. Oh dear. He was not a happy camper.
At home, Van cooked the pizza and the cheese bread, so we all ate in front of the TV. It was kind of fun. Zach was much happier at home. I think with me being here, his schedule is really interupted and he doesn't really know what's going on.
I went to bed fairly early last night. It was sometime around 10 I think. I turned on the TV to watch something, and then woke up at 1:30 am with the lights and the TV still on! I didn't sleep that well last night. I think I may have caught whatever cold the kids have. Sigh.
Anyway, I don't really have big plans for today. I think Van wants me on babysitting duty while she goes to the Running Room for something. I guess I can't really complain, can I?
Talk to you later....
Yesterday was a good but busy day. In the morning I cooked my breakfast while Van and Katie had a bit of a fight. Still, everyone got ready and we left on time to go to Body Works. Zach was a bit of a pain on the way there, he was hitting his sister. He's sneaky for a little guy.
Van and I really liked Body Works. Katie didn't as much. I think she was freaked out by the whole idea of the bodies being from real people. It really was fascinating seeing the inner workings of bodies. After we left that exhibit, we played a little in the kids area. It was good for Zach to get some steam off.
Van drove us over to South Edmonton Common and I checked out the movie listings. The one Kate wanted to see was on at 9 pm, so a little too late for us. I suggested either Mamma Mia or Ghost Town. We chose Ghost Town, and then headed off to have lunch. Van dropped Kate and I off at Boston Pizza. That was Katie's choice of restaurant.
I wanted to have Beef Dip, but apparently with the whole Maple Leaf crisis they aren't serving it, so I settled for the Santa Fe Stromboli. Kate had her favourite, a ham and cheese stromboli. It was very good. After lunch we walked back towards the theatre and did a little shopping on the way. Kate got herself a really pretty t-shirt.
We went to see Ghost Town. I quite liked it, but it was quite British in it's humor. I don't think Kate really got it. After all, she's only 11. Still afterwards, she said she liked it.
After the movie we called Van and asked her to pick us up in Indigo, the book store. We hacked around the store for a bit. Kate found some dvds she wanted to buy, but I asked her to wait until her mum came. I didn't want her to buy something her family already had.
Van picked us up, Kate bought two of the dvds, then made her mum buy the other one. We stopped on the way home to buy pizza. It's quite nice, you buy it, take it home and cook it for yourself. They make it right in front of you, so you know how fresh it is. Unfortunately, Zach had a major meltdown. He tried to get up onto the wooden bench in the store and really banged his knee. I'll be surprised if he doesn't have a huge bruise there today. Then, we got him cheered up again, and he tried to do it again, with the same result. Oh dear. He was not a happy camper.
At home, Van cooked the pizza and the cheese bread, so we all ate in front of the TV. It was kind of fun. Zach was much happier at home. I think with me being here, his schedule is really interupted and he doesn't really know what's going on.
I went to bed fairly early last night. It was sometime around 10 I think. I turned on the TV to watch something, and then woke up at 1:30 am with the lights and the TV still on! I didn't sleep that well last night. I think I may have caught whatever cold the kids have. Sigh.
Anyway, I don't really have big plans for today. I think Van wants me on babysitting duty while she goes to the Running Room for something. I guess I can't really complain, can I?
Talk to you later....
Friday, September 19, 2008
Still dark outside!
Yesterday I got up early and went off with Van and the kids. They were going to drop me off at the mall. On the way there, Zach got sick. Poor little guy. Van had to pull over on the Whitemud Freeway which is kind of a scary thing. He was okay after that though.
When I got out at the mall, I went into the mall and walked around for a bit. After a couple of minutes though I realized that there was a problem. That morning I'd put on a sporty kind of bra, one that I didn't wear very often. It was causing quite nasty problems in a couple of delicate places if you get my drift. What to do? Well, I was in the mall, so I went over to Sears to see if I could possibly get something else to wear. I was lucky enough to find a couple of things in or near to my size, so I tried them on. While I was at it, I left the other bra off. I ended up leaving Sears with a new leisure bra, some undies and a really nice pair of pajamas. So, all's well that ends well! I popped into the washroom a couple of minutes later and put on the new leisure bra. I know, I know, too much info!
I had a late breakfast, early brunch at A&W. It was okay. The onion rings were good. Then I set about finding the bus stop. I went for a hike, but finally found it. Southgate's transit area is currently under construction as the LRT will be extended to the mall.
I headed downtown. I thought wistfully of stopping at Whyte Ave, but didn't. I went to the old Edmonton Center. I did a lot of walking around. I thought about going to a movie, but the one I wanted to see had already started and another one that would have been okay was starting NOW. I did more shopping. I got some little things for me, but nothing too major.
I headed back to the Southgate around 5:30 and called Vanessa. She agreed to pick me up around 6:30 which she did. On the way home we all stopped into a grocery store. Zach was asleep in the cart, but Katie and I had a good time looking around. I got myself some whole wheat pita bread. Yum. Japan has finally adopted bagels, but they still haven't gotten pita bread. Sigh.
At home, it was getting late, so I made Kate and I a ham and cheese omelette. It wasn't bad. We had our dinner, then I cleaned up my cooking utensils. Van has a dishwasher, so I didn't have to do the plates.
After that, I was quite exhausted. I was supposed to watch a movie with everyone, but I needed to do laundry, so I came downstairs and did it. I fell asleep between loads! I loaded up the washing machine, slept until it was done. Repeat! I woke up finally with the dryer having stopped. It was nearly midnight so I decided to stop for the night. I went to sleep.
This morning I woke up around 6. Argh. I am so not a morning person. I started up the dryer again and the computer too.
Today I'm taking Vanessa and the children to see Body Works. I'm a little nervous that Katie won't like it. It's quite expensive and some people are disturbed by it. Heck, I'm worried that _I_ might be disturbed by it. After that, Kate wants to do something else, but I'm not sure what. We might go shopping or to see a movie if there's anything playing that's appropriate.
Anyway, that's it for me for now. I'll probably update tomorrow. Bye!
Yesterday I got up early and went off with Van and the kids. They were going to drop me off at the mall. On the way there, Zach got sick. Poor little guy. Van had to pull over on the Whitemud Freeway which is kind of a scary thing. He was okay after that though.
When I got out at the mall, I went into the mall and walked around for a bit. After a couple of minutes though I realized that there was a problem. That morning I'd put on a sporty kind of bra, one that I didn't wear very often. It was causing quite nasty problems in a couple of delicate places if you get my drift. What to do? Well, I was in the mall, so I went over to Sears to see if I could possibly get something else to wear. I was lucky enough to find a couple of things in or near to my size, so I tried them on. While I was at it, I left the other bra off. I ended up leaving Sears with a new leisure bra, some undies and a really nice pair of pajamas. So, all's well that ends well! I popped into the washroom a couple of minutes later and put on the new leisure bra. I know, I know, too much info!
I had a late breakfast, early brunch at A&W. It was okay. The onion rings were good. Then I set about finding the bus stop. I went for a hike, but finally found it. Southgate's transit area is currently under construction as the LRT will be extended to the mall.
I headed downtown. I thought wistfully of stopping at Whyte Ave, but didn't. I went to the old Edmonton Center. I did a lot of walking around. I thought about going to a movie, but the one I wanted to see had already started and another one that would have been okay was starting NOW. I did more shopping. I got some little things for me, but nothing too major.
I headed back to the Southgate around 5:30 and called Vanessa. She agreed to pick me up around 6:30 which she did. On the way home we all stopped into a grocery store. Zach was asleep in the cart, but Katie and I had a good time looking around. I got myself some whole wheat pita bread. Yum. Japan has finally adopted bagels, but they still haven't gotten pita bread. Sigh.
At home, it was getting late, so I made Kate and I a ham and cheese omelette. It wasn't bad. We had our dinner, then I cleaned up my cooking utensils. Van has a dishwasher, so I didn't have to do the plates.
After that, I was quite exhausted. I was supposed to watch a movie with everyone, but I needed to do laundry, so I came downstairs and did it. I fell asleep between loads! I loaded up the washing machine, slept until it was done. Repeat! I woke up finally with the dryer having stopped. It was nearly midnight so I decided to stop for the night. I went to sleep.
This morning I woke up around 6. Argh. I am so not a morning person. I started up the dryer again and the computer too.
Today I'm taking Vanessa and the children to see Body Works. I'm a little nervous that Katie won't like it. It's quite expensive and some people are disturbed by it. Heck, I'm worried that _I_ might be disturbed by it. After that, Kate wants to do something else, but I'm not sure what. We might go shopping or to see a movie if there's anything playing that's appropriate.
Anyway, that's it for me for now. I'll probably update tomorrow. Bye!
September 18, 2008
Warm and sunny.
Yesterday was a busy day. I went out to Southgate mall and did a bit of shopping. I got my eyes tested. The Optomotrist told me I didn't really need to get glasses, I could just get reading glasses from a store, but I decided to take the plunge. Probably better to order and pay for them at the start of my trip rather than the end!
I bought a pair of casual pants, some shirts, and some postcards for my students that learned how to write their addresses in English. I'll mail those today. It was nice just being able to wander the mall by myself. Oh, I also visited the Clinique counter at The Bay. They have a gift with purchase on at the moment. It's expensive stuff, but it's great for my skin.
Yesterday morning Vanessa and I ordered tickets for Body Works for her and Katie and I. We'll go on Friday. Katie's been wanting to go for months and it ends soon. I doubt it will ever come anywhere near Tsuruoka, so this could be my only chance. It wasn't cheap either. Sigh.
Zach isn't feeling well. He's got a cold or something, which may mean that the rest of us will get sick soon. He's a funny little boy. Very happy. And also, after seeing so many Japanese children for so long, seems really big. He is quite big for his age.
So today I'm off to Southgate again, but I'll probably head into the center of the city or Whyte Avenue for a quick stop. I'm not sure which honestly. I'll do a bit of work on the net doing research first!
I'm up and it's only 7:00 am. I can't believe it. Jet Lag. I hate it!
Night night! Or should I say Morning?!
Yesterday was a busy day. I went out to Southgate mall and did a bit of shopping. I got my eyes tested. The Optomotrist told me I didn't really need to get glasses, I could just get reading glasses from a store, but I decided to take the plunge. Probably better to order and pay for them at the start of my trip rather than the end!
I bought a pair of casual pants, some shirts, and some postcards for my students that learned how to write their addresses in English. I'll mail those today. It was nice just being able to wander the mall by myself. Oh, I also visited the Clinique counter at The Bay. They have a gift with purchase on at the moment. It's expensive stuff, but it's great for my skin.
Yesterday morning Vanessa and I ordered tickets for Body Works for her and Katie and I. We'll go on Friday. Katie's been wanting to go for months and it ends soon. I doubt it will ever come anywhere near Tsuruoka, so this could be my only chance. It wasn't cheap either. Sigh.
Zach isn't feeling well. He's got a cold or something, which may mean that the rest of us will get sick soon. He's a funny little boy. Very happy. And also, after seeing so many Japanese children for so long, seems really big. He is quite big for his age.
So today I'm off to Southgate again, but I'll probably head into the center of the city or Whyte Avenue for a quick stop. I'm not sure which honestly. I'll do a bit of work on the net doing research first!
I'm up and it's only 7:00 am. I can't believe it. Jet Lag. I hate it!
Night night! Or should I say Morning?!
September 16, 2008
Sunny and warm.
Well, here I am in Canada. I'm quite jetlagged, but in one piece. Had an okay flight over. There was a little drama though when a woman on the plane passed out in the washroom. The flight attendants were very concerned and professional, but they did the announcing over the speakers bit of asking for a doctor. No idea what happened, just think she was over excited or something.
Vanessa and Katie met me at the airport yesterday and I managed not to fall asleep until after 9 pm which was good.
However, I'm fading a bit this afternoon and will likely take a nap now. It's 5 in the morning in Japan so I'm feeling sleepy.
Hopefully will post more soon.
Well, here I am in Canada. I'm quite jetlagged, but in one piece. Had an okay flight over. There was a little drama though when a woman on the plane passed out in the washroom. The flight attendants were very concerned and professional, but they did the announcing over the speakers bit of asking for a doctor. No idea what happened, just think she was over excited or something.
Vanessa and Katie met me at the airport yesterday and I managed not to fall asleep until after 9 pm which was good.
However, I'm fading a bit this afternoon and will likely take a nap now. It's 5 in the morning in Japan so I'm feeling sleepy.
Hopefully will post more soon.
Happy Anniversary to Us!
Tonight at Bistro Des Points we had a wonderful meal. We took each other's photo, no couple shot. Sorry!
September 13, 2008 - Saturday
Cloudy and then rainy at night.
Another night of not good sleeping. I went to bed early, then Fumihiko came in and then went out again. Anyway, I didn't sleep well.
I got up in the morning and then showered. Fumihiko came home and watched some crap on TV. We went to Gusto for brunch and then I was let off at my school. As I got out of the car, I told him that I'd be ready for pick up around 3 pm.
My lesson went well. After my student left I did a load of laundry, did up my paperwork, cleared some things around the school and then called Fumihiko. It was a little after 3 pm. When I finally got him he said that he was at a massage place and wouldn't be done for a while. I was not best pleased. I walked home. I was quite annoyed as I wasn't wearing my walking shoes, my backpack was really heavy and I had particularly said that I would be finished at 3.
Fumihiko came back a bit after 4. We were not talking for a while, then we did. We went out for dinner which was okay, then drove to the mall to see a movie. I wanted to see Wanted. It wasn't great. Some of the trick shots in the movie were cool, but overall I didn't really like it.
We drove back to Tsuruoka and got a few things at the grocery store. Fumihiko bought some fish which he grilled. It was nice. I've had a few stomach problems lately so I didn't want to have anything greasy.
I watched What about Brian and Heroes. Had another mini-spat with Fumihiko then, he left the room. Sigh.
I leave early Monday morning and it seems like all we've done for the last 3 days is fight. It's a little sad. I think it's some kind of weird coping mechanism kicking in. Sigh. Tomorrow is our anniversary (well, one of them) so I'm not sure that I'll be updating or not. If not, there may be intermittant updates from Canada. And, there may not be!
Got to go. Night night.
Another night of not good sleeping. I went to bed early, then Fumihiko came in and then went out again. Anyway, I didn't sleep well.
I got up in the morning and then showered. Fumihiko came home and watched some crap on TV. We went to Gusto for brunch and then I was let off at my school. As I got out of the car, I told him that I'd be ready for pick up around 3 pm.
My lesson went well. After my student left I did a load of laundry, did up my paperwork, cleared some things around the school and then called Fumihiko. It was a little after 3 pm. When I finally got him he said that he was at a massage place and wouldn't be done for a while. I was not best pleased. I walked home. I was quite annoyed as I wasn't wearing my walking shoes, my backpack was really heavy and I had particularly said that I would be finished at 3.
Fumihiko came back a bit after 4. We were not talking for a while, then we did. We went out for dinner which was okay, then drove to the mall to see a movie. I wanted to see Wanted. It wasn't great. Some of the trick shots in the movie were cool, but overall I didn't really like it.
We drove back to Tsuruoka and got a few things at the grocery store. Fumihiko bought some fish which he grilled. It was nice. I've had a few stomach problems lately so I didn't want to have anything greasy.
I watched What about Brian and Heroes. Had another mini-spat with Fumihiko then, he left the room. Sigh.
I leave early Monday morning and it seems like all we've done for the last 3 days is fight. It's a little sad. I think it's some kind of weird coping mechanism kicking in. Sigh. Tomorrow is our anniversary (well, one of them) so I'm not sure that I'll be updating or not. If not, there may be intermittant updates from Canada. And, there may not be!
Got to go. Night night.
September 12, 2008 - Friday
Cloudy, but humid and too warm.
Can't say that today was a good day at all. Can I have a do-over? Last night I went to bed, but couldn't sleep. I was in bed for about an hour. I got up, tried going back to bed, but nothing worked. At some point Fumihiko and I started to have a discussion (which he doesn't remember now) and then I managed to drop off for a bit.
Had a quiet day in the apartment. Nothing much happened all day. I did have to leave early today though because I had an earlier class today.
When I got to the school I was happy to note that it was the coolest it's been in there all week. Hurray for that. It was the first time it was under 30 degrees Celsius.
My first class was okay. The student was in an odd mood as he often is. The second student was late, but she did make it to class. We had a nice chat and then she left.
After my classes I finished up quickly. I didn't even wash the cup my student used...I rinsed it though, and will wash it properly tomorrow. I wanted to get home early today.
Fumihiko picked me up and we had dinner at the soba restaurant. It was good, except the waiter that served us was more interested in chatting with his friends in the corner and then we had to ask to get our drinks at the end of the meal. Sigh.
We came home and then that's when it all went wrong. It became one of those things where we both got royally annoyed with each other and ruined what should have been a nice evening. Instead, it turned into one of our usual half fights.
Anyway. Tomorrow I have one class and then I'm finished until October. I've got most of my packing done. Hopefully I'll get the rest done tomorrow. That's it from me for this evening. Night.
Can't say that today was a good day at all. Can I have a do-over? Last night I went to bed, but couldn't sleep. I was in bed for about an hour. I got up, tried going back to bed, but nothing worked. At some point Fumihiko and I started to have a discussion (which he doesn't remember now) and then I managed to drop off for a bit.
Had a quiet day in the apartment. Nothing much happened all day. I did have to leave early today though because I had an earlier class today.
When I got to the school I was happy to note that it was the coolest it's been in there all week. Hurray for that. It was the first time it was under 30 degrees Celsius.
My first class was okay. The student was in an odd mood as he often is. The second student was late, but she did make it to class. We had a nice chat and then she left.
After my classes I finished up quickly. I didn't even wash the cup my student used...I rinsed it though, and will wash it properly tomorrow. I wanted to get home early today.
Fumihiko picked me up and we had dinner at the soba restaurant. It was good, except the waiter that served us was more interested in chatting with his friends in the corner and then we had to ask to get our drinks at the end of the meal. Sigh.
We came home and then that's when it all went wrong. It became one of those things where we both got royally annoyed with each other and ruined what should have been a nice evening. Instead, it turned into one of our usual half fights.
Anyway. Tomorrow I have one class and then I'm finished until October. I've got most of my packing done. Hopefully I'll get the rest done tomorrow. That's it from me for this evening. Night.
September 11, 2008 - Thursday
Warm and sunny. Nice weather.
Today was an okay day. I really overslept this morning. I slept through all of my alarms. I was quite shocked.
I did some laundry today. It was a good feeling to get it all out of the way. Hurray.
I went over to my school on time. It was hot inside, but it cooled down fairly quickly. I did some prep work for today's classes. I needed to check some of my games. When my students came they stood outside for ages with the door open. I wasn't pleased. I tried to explain to them that I didn't want the bugs to get in, but they did anyway. Sigh. The class went quite well. I tried the trick of giving them 10 1 yen coins and taking them back if and when they spoke Japanese in class. They caught on fast and really did much better than usual. It's amazing how possessive students are of a measly 10 yen!
When those students and their mother left my school, they let in at least 2 huge bugs. I spent 10 minutes chasing them and dispatching them. When my next student came I think she let in a couple more. Sigh.
My student and I had a good class. We did some reading practice and then continued talking about being billionaires. At one point we discussed what we'd do if we were billionaires and she said that she'd have some facial treatments done. I mentioned botox and we had a new topic to discuss. She'd never heard of it, and definitely doesn't need it!
After she left, I spent some time chasing bugs, then did my paperwork and set up for tomorrow's class. Most of it was already done, I'm happy to say.
Fumihiko picked me up after a while and we went to Cocos for dinner. We both had pasta tonight. I had their special in September pasta, mushrooms and shrimp with a Japanese flavour. It was really nice. Fumihiko had carbonara.
We came home and had a really quiet evening together. Fumihiko went to bed, but got up again fairly soon. I'm going to try to go to bed earlier tonight. I need lots of sleep!
That's it for me. Today is a sad day for me. It was my mother's birthday and I always miss her more on this day.
Tomorrow, I'm not sure what it will be like. I have lots of things that I need to do, but will I really do them all? I hope so. Catch me tomorrow. Night.
Today was an okay day. I really overslept this morning. I slept through all of my alarms. I was quite shocked.
I did some laundry today. It was a good feeling to get it all out of the way. Hurray.
I went over to my school on time. It was hot inside, but it cooled down fairly quickly. I did some prep work for today's classes. I needed to check some of my games. When my students came they stood outside for ages with the door open. I wasn't pleased. I tried to explain to them that I didn't want the bugs to get in, but they did anyway. Sigh. The class went quite well. I tried the trick of giving them 10 1 yen coins and taking them back if and when they spoke Japanese in class. They caught on fast and really did much better than usual. It's amazing how possessive students are of a measly 10 yen!
When those students and their mother left my school, they let in at least 2 huge bugs. I spent 10 minutes chasing them and dispatching them. When my next student came I think she let in a couple more. Sigh.
My student and I had a good class. We did some reading practice and then continued talking about being billionaires. At one point we discussed what we'd do if we were billionaires and she said that she'd have some facial treatments done. I mentioned botox and we had a new topic to discuss. She'd never heard of it, and definitely doesn't need it!
After she left, I spent some time chasing bugs, then did my paperwork and set up for tomorrow's class. Most of it was already done, I'm happy to say.
Fumihiko picked me up after a while and we went to Cocos for dinner. We both had pasta tonight. I had their special in September pasta, mushrooms and shrimp with a Japanese flavour. It was really nice. Fumihiko had carbonara.
We came home and had a really quiet evening together. Fumihiko went to bed, but got up again fairly soon. I'm going to try to go to bed earlier tonight. I need lots of sleep!
That's it for me. Today is a sad day for me. It was my mother's birthday and I always miss her more on this day.
Tomorrow, I'm not sure what it will be like. I have lots of things that I need to do, but will I really do them all? I hope so. Catch me tomorrow. Night.
September 10, 2008 - Wednesday
Warm and sunny, beautiful day.
It was a little cold last night when I went to bed. I had to double up my towelket, so definitely there has been a change in the weather. Hurray for that.
I got up late, but channel surfed and didn't find much. The internet kept me busy for a while. After my shower I was able to watch BBC news so it was a nice thing for me. When the news finished, I went out.
I went to the post office and paid for my school books. I also made a deposit and looked at the stamps for sale. They have some of our local aquarium. Now, our local aquarium is terrible in so so many ways, but they have a fabulous collection of jellyfish. Anyway, the stamps had jellyfish pictures on them. They weren't as gorgeous as the real thing unfortunately. When I finished in the post office I took myself off to the local convenience store and got myself a sandwich and a drink. I paid using my Edy card. It was the first time that I'd used it, but it worked just fine.
I came home and watched Grey's Anatomy. It was one of the episodes that made me cry. A surgical resident at another hospital was tired, fell asleep at the wheel of his car and hit another car containing a man, his pregnant wife and her parents. The pregnant woman seemed fine at first but she had terrible injuries. Definitely a weepie episode.
After a while I made lunch and then went out to my school. I stopped at the bank machine to take some money out for me. I love payday! After that, I went to my school.
I got set up and brought my bookkeeping up to date. On the off chance that something happens on this trip, I don't want Fumihiko having any problems.
When my student came we had a good lesson. I made her work really hard on her speech. She's done well and has come a long way. After class, her mother paid for her new textbook and gave me some cakes.
Fumihiko came and picked me up and brought me home. He had made dinner for us, and he cooked it when I was home. He made nabe. It was quite good, and it all vanished! We had nabe made from pork, tofu, mushrooms and hacksai. I managed to spill mine all over myself. Sigh. Since he cooked, I did the dishes. There weren't many so it wasn't too bad.
We had a quiet evening at home. Fumihiko worked on an email for one of my students and I watched The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard. It was cool.
Now it's terribly late, but Fumihiko is still up and we're kicking back and relaxing. I want him to go to bed, but he's a stubborn guy!
That was my day. Night night.
It was a little cold last night when I went to bed. I had to double up my towelket, so definitely there has been a change in the weather. Hurray for that.
I got up late, but channel surfed and didn't find much. The internet kept me busy for a while. After my shower I was able to watch BBC news so it was a nice thing for me. When the news finished, I went out.
I went to the post office and paid for my school books. I also made a deposit and looked at the stamps for sale. They have some of our local aquarium. Now, our local aquarium is terrible in so so many ways, but they have a fabulous collection of jellyfish. Anyway, the stamps had jellyfish pictures on them. They weren't as gorgeous as the real thing unfortunately. When I finished in the post office I took myself off to the local convenience store and got myself a sandwich and a drink. I paid using my Edy card. It was the first time that I'd used it, but it worked just fine.
I came home and watched Grey's Anatomy. It was one of the episodes that made me cry. A surgical resident at another hospital was tired, fell asleep at the wheel of his car and hit another car containing a man, his pregnant wife and her parents. The pregnant woman seemed fine at first but she had terrible injuries. Definitely a weepie episode.
After a while I made lunch and then went out to my school. I stopped at the bank machine to take some money out for me. I love payday! After that, I went to my school.
I got set up and brought my bookkeeping up to date. On the off chance that something happens on this trip, I don't want Fumihiko having any problems.
When my student came we had a good lesson. I made her work really hard on her speech. She's done well and has come a long way. After class, her mother paid for her new textbook and gave me some cakes.
Fumihiko came and picked me up and brought me home. He had made dinner for us, and he cooked it when I was home. He made nabe. It was quite good, and it all vanished! We had nabe made from pork, tofu, mushrooms and hacksai. I managed to spill mine all over myself. Sigh. Since he cooked, I did the dishes. There weren't many so it wasn't too bad.
We had a quiet evening at home. Fumihiko worked on an email for one of my students and I watched The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard. It was cool.
Now it's terribly late, but Fumihiko is still up and we're kicking back and relaxing. I want him to go to bed, but he's a stubborn guy!
That was my day. Night night.
September 9, 2008 - Tuesday
Warm and sunny.
A good day. I slept in a little later than yesterday, but it was so nice to wake up and not be covered in sweat. When I got up I checked the TV and realized that Runaway Bride was on. I ended up watching it. It was okay. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either.
I had a quiet day at home today. It was nice. It was cooler today, so cool that I didn't have to turn on the air conditioner at all at home. Hurray for that.
I left for the school later than usual for a Tuesday. My 5:00 pm student had cancelled last week so I had extra time. Yay. I hit the drug store on the way to work, and picked up some things for my trip. I got some letter writing paper, a travel toothbrush and a couple of other things. I paid of course, and set back off to my school. When I got there it was a hot 32 degrees. I tried just opening the window for a bit, but I didn't get flowthrough. After a few minutes I closed the window and turned on the air conditioner.
I did some planning for after my holiday, and got set up for today's class. I also opened the book order that I received yesterday. Everything was there. Yay.
My class went well tonight. One of my students asked if she could stay late to talk to me after class. She has a speech contest soon, and wanted some pointers. I didn't mind. Our class went well and was quite fun. We talked about going to the doctor and describing symptoms. After class the student and I chatted and then she went home.
Fumihiko picked me up a bit after 9 pm and we went to Grado for dinner. I had a pizza, one with mushrooms and basil sauce, Fumihiko had a donburi. They were both good. My pizza was quite different. I often have problems with tomato sauce, so it was nice to have a different base on the pizza.
We hit the grocery store after dinner. Fumihiko volunteered to make dinner tomorrow night. He's going to make nabe. I'm looking forward to it.
We came home and Fumihiko did some channel surfing and found the British drama Spooks on. I watched the episode and it was really good. It's the first one I've ever seen, but I could follow most of what was going on. Later on, Fumihiko fell asleep on the couch and I channel surfed and found ER. I watched it. With our new TV it's really hard to know what the channels are for me. Fumihiko did read the manuals, but he hasn't explained things to me yet. One cool thing that I discovered is that both ER season 13 and Ugly Betty Season 2 will start at the end of this month. I won't be here quite yet, but I hopefully can tape them and watch them later.
And that's it. Today was definitely cooler and I'm so glad. I know in a month or so I'll be complaining about the cold, but right now, I'm terribly glad that I'm not sweating all the time.
Got to go. Night night!
A good day. I slept in a little later than yesterday, but it was so nice to wake up and not be covered in sweat. When I got up I checked the TV and realized that Runaway Bride was on. I ended up watching it. It was okay. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either.
I had a quiet day at home today. It was nice. It was cooler today, so cool that I didn't have to turn on the air conditioner at all at home. Hurray for that.
I left for the school later than usual for a Tuesday. My 5:00 pm student had cancelled last week so I had extra time. Yay. I hit the drug store on the way to work, and picked up some things for my trip. I got some letter writing paper, a travel toothbrush and a couple of other things. I paid of course, and set back off to my school. When I got there it was a hot 32 degrees. I tried just opening the window for a bit, but I didn't get flowthrough. After a few minutes I closed the window and turned on the air conditioner.
I did some planning for after my holiday, and got set up for today's class. I also opened the book order that I received yesterday. Everything was there. Yay.
My class went well tonight. One of my students asked if she could stay late to talk to me after class. She has a speech contest soon, and wanted some pointers. I didn't mind. Our class went well and was quite fun. We talked about going to the doctor and describing symptoms. After class the student and I chatted and then she went home.
Fumihiko picked me up a bit after 9 pm and we went to Grado for dinner. I had a pizza, one with mushrooms and basil sauce, Fumihiko had a donburi. They were both good. My pizza was quite different. I often have problems with tomato sauce, so it was nice to have a different base on the pizza.
We hit the grocery store after dinner. Fumihiko volunteered to make dinner tomorrow night. He's going to make nabe. I'm looking forward to it.
We came home and Fumihiko did some channel surfing and found the British drama Spooks on. I watched the episode and it was really good. It's the first one I've ever seen, but I could follow most of what was going on. Later on, Fumihiko fell asleep on the couch and I channel surfed and found ER. I watched it. With our new TV it's really hard to know what the channels are for me. Fumihiko did read the manuals, but he hasn't explained things to me yet. One cool thing that I discovered is that both ER season 13 and Ugly Betty Season 2 will start at the end of this month. I won't be here quite yet, but I hopefully can tape them and watch them later.
And that's it. Today was definitely cooler and I'm so glad. I know in a month or so I'll be complaining about the cold, but right now, I'm terribly glad that I'm not sweating all the time.
Got to go. Night night!
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