Red, Red Wine

I went to this new bookstore today that just opened a week or two ago. So not impressed. Initially, I was really excited because someone told me (Joshua) that there were English books there...I didn't see a single English book. What a let-down. It's okay...I currently have about 100 books to read that my Mama sent me. In fact, I finally finished reading a book today. Good for me.
After my disappointing bookstore trip, I went to Starbucks for a guaranteed pick-me-up. Then I returned home and cleaned/re-arranged my bedroom. I love it! Too bad I didn't think about re-arranging it 8 months ago. There's so much more room and less dust. Although, I hate the tatami mats on the floor in my apartment- they are so hard to clean and I feel like I can never get them 100% dust free. They're dust collectors. I hate dust. Whatever.
I painted a little more today (but my paintings just keep sucking more and more lately), as well as cooked, watched some good American DVDs, and drank red wine. Oh, and I saw a cat fight this evening. A real, legit cat fight; claws out, screaming bloody murder and cat hair flying all around. The felines here don't mess around. They're out for the kill!

Say NO to Jameson

I was too hung-over today to enjoy the beautiful day out. I tried (went to Tsutaya to rent DVDs/CDs), but all I could think was, "I am too hung-over to be out right now. I may spew at any given moment." So I quickly returned home and back to bed. No more vodka ever again. Yeah, you've all heard me say that one before... ~ Then I spent most of the evening painting. I'm not too thrilled about this one. O'well. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel more inspired to paint something prettier.

Vodka Master: Day 1 Vacation

Went out last night to various bars with the boys (Brian, Joshua and Stephen). Had so much fun. My favorite part was the bartenders calling me the, "Vodka Master."
Now I am so hung-over. Day one of vacation. I like it a lot.

Good Monday

Successful day! I went to Rybo, finally found Matthew's birthday present(s), packaged it all up and sent it to North America. Then I went to Oroku Jusco and purchased some much needed supplies (as well as a few not-so-needed supplies...I really need to stop doing that). All in all, I am extremely happy with Monday's "To Do List" accomplishments. I just gotta get through work tomorrow- then 8 days of vacation! Woo-woo!

I did some drawing and painting today. I suppose I was feeling artistic. Too bad I don't know a thing about art. I just like to pretend. Anyhow, I plan to do more over Golden Week- draw and paint- as well as, clean, read, dance, shop, sleep, drink, watch movies and go to the beach. I think that sums up most of my vacation plans.

***Love from Japan***

Chocolate Milk & Vodka

Chatan

Yo yo yo. So today, I drove 40 minutes on my bike to Chatan and went shopping for a little bit. I got bored fast- I think it was because I didn't feel like shopping by myself. Ah, well. It was still worth the trip to go out and explore.

Afterwards, I went to Kokusai Dori to find brother Matthew his birthday present. It can't be done. I have spent 3 days now trying to find him something, but I can't find anything. Maybe I am being too picky? I dunno.

I polished off the gin in my freezer by 5 o'clock. Then went to San-A (got carded for the 1st time! Probably because I was in my PJ's and wearing glasses at 7pm), picked up some vodka and chocolate milk (another reason to be carded, I suppose), and now have a new favorite drink! How could I not have discovered how great chocolate milk and vodka go together 10 years ago??? It's my new favorite! It's delicious- I recommend it.

Peace Out. This Sunday went by way too fast.

Happy Weekend!

I'm flower sitting this weekend for Boss Lady's flower arrangement. She makes these herself. Today, I decided to bring the flowers home with me to love and care for them.

Finally...the weekend has begun! Except, I have made the executive decision to not go out tonight. I've been sick these past two weeks and desperately want to feel better. So, instead, I have decided to go to bed at a decent hour, instead of 2am (like I always do during the week). I'm thinking... 11pm bedtime tonight... We'll see if I actually mean that or not. I'm not even sure if I believe it. Nope, I no longer believe it.

Adagio

This is one of the most beautiful Adagios I have ever seen!

I Can Do It!

Shisa

Chris: Happy 10 year Anniversary today!

Tony: Thank you so, very much for my Easter package!
Beach: Congratulations on finishing up your finals!
Everyone: Happy Friday!

So, I had a new outside class this evening...definitely not crazy about it. Ah, well. I'll suck it up for 4 months.
On a brighter note, tomorrow is Saturday, which means celebration after work! Sunday/Monday off...work Tuesday, then Golden Week begins Wednesday (4/29)! Wooo-wooo! 8 glorious days off of work! Finally! I need a vacation. I have no definite plans, as of yet. It's too expensive to fly anywhere in or out of Japan during this popular vacation time. So, I probably won't be going anywhere special. I'll just be productive and drink all day every day. It'll be my goal to go to a new drinking place daily. Imagine the new discoveries I'll make! This is very exciting...

Vodka Cranberries

I just returned from Noracro Bar, where Joshua and I bitched about work and drank our sorrows away. Even during our 2 hour prep time earlier this afternoon, we did nothing but talk shit about work- which is not the smartest thing to do when the Head Honcho is sitting next door. Ah, well. It's what we do best. ;-)

So, today irritated me with my "too-talkative" rugrats. Then, in the evening, I had the pleasure to work with my Junior High School boys who don't want to talk at all. Why can't my students just work with me? Throw me a bone!

Anywho, somehow I managed. I may bitch a lot, but there are also a few good things about the work I do here. I would say what those things are right now, but there's too much alcohol flowing through my veins to do too much thinking at this particular time. Maybe later.

I have a new outside class tomorrow evening. Wish me luck! I need something new to do!

Goodnight (to those in Japan)! Good Morning (to those in America)!

...ahh...I just burnt my dinner.....

I Heart Starbucks

So today was one of those days (which more and more have been occurring recently), where I miss and crave a number of things back home. The weirdest one today was, Fruit Wrinkles. They don't even make Fruit Wrinkles anymore. In fact, I haven't had them since I was probably 6 years old, yet I still remember them so distinctively. I know, I know- weird. But does anyone else remember these little, alien fruit snacks? Or did I dream them up? Anyway, I just miss all the little things that are often taken for granted for while living in the States. For example, I miss English being the native language, I miss not living alone, and I miss my bunny. Ok... I could easily -so, very easily- list at least 100 things I truly miss. But I won't because that would bore everyone to death. So, don't worry. Instead I'll just say that I miss America.~ And Grey Goose.~

Peace Out. I survived today. I should receive some sort of medal.

Love Sex Magic

So sick today. It's all so wonderful- congestion, plugged ears, sore throat, cough, laryngitis, and an eye infection. Is this what stress does to a person? Maybe a glass of red wine would help...or orange juice and gin (not a fan of gin, but it's what I happen to have in my freezer at this particular moment). Grey Goose would actually be my drink of choice right now...mmm... Love the Goose. Just like my Mother. Mother Goose.

Tomorrow is just another long, Wednesday- where my pre-school children attack my peek-a-choo and climb on me as if I am their personal jungle gym. That's just the morning...then the afternoon/night has to exist. Damn you, Wednesdays, damn you.

P.S. Love Sex Magic, by Ciara and featuring JT, is currently my fav song/video. Huge Ciara fan right here, since I was 18. How could you not love her?

Happy 4/20!

I wonder what he means by this?

Of course, I thought about asking him.

But then I remembered I don't speak Japanese.

I didn't even realize it was 4/20 today until it was over in 30 minutes for me (Japan is 16 hours ahead of Phoenix, AZ time). At least I have my Cousin Chris to thank for even realizing it at all. Thank you, Chris! :) ~ Damn it; maybe my 4/21 can be my 4/20...
Anywho, I spent the day on Kokusai Street. That's all I really have to share. Oh, and there are these little bumps under my eyelid. I think it's from over-wearing my contact lenses. I should probably see an eye-doctor. But it's far too difficult and time-consuming to do so. Besides, I don't trust the Japanese. Not at all. I don't care if they're doctors, dentists, hair-stylists (yeah, especially hair-stylists)- I don't trust. I should also see a doctor for this ever-lasting laryngitis. But I won't. I apologize if you are Japanese and reading this right now. But if you are, well, I guess now you know I probably don't trust you.

Cathy Beach- Thank you so much for my "Mexican Fiesta" package I received from you today! I'm gonna see how long I can stretch out this Mexican food for. You made my whole week! Thank You!
8 days until vacation...which means 8 days off of work!

Cockroach Nightmares

Last night was the 2nd consecutive night of cockroach nightmares. Isn't bad enough that they're slowly taking over my apartment? Apparently not. They want more from me. Now they're taking over any good possibility of a good night's sleep and sweet dreams. God, I hate them so much.

Awamori, Dancing, Karaoke

I love their matching outfits!

Yesterday (Saturday) was shit. Teaching was fine, but work was shit. Let's just say that the teachers and the staff are butting heads. It's not pretty.
So, after work- time to celebrate the weekend! Joshua, Stephen and I started the night out at an Izakaya where we met up with some of Stephen's friends. I met the nicest American girl (from LA). It's been a very long time since I've even spoken to one. I was taken aback! But, really, she was so, so sweet and I think I made a new, good friend. :-)
Then a few of us went to Saicolo's where I met Yumi and Kaori. This was my first time to Saicolo's this year! It was amazing, but it got old fast. So then we left to go to the Banana House: Karaoke. Karaoke is extremely challenging with laryngitis. I don't recommend it. Anyhow, I kissed a girl (or two), drank too much awamori and am feeling the consequences this morning. My head may explode.
Highlight from last night: My drunk friend dancing/molesting the girl poster at the club. This is the poster in the background:

Kaori, Joshua, Yumi

April Showers

It has been raining all day long. The worst part was driving on my ginskey this morning to the Air Base to teach my private lesson. We all know how prone I am to accidents; and driving on the slippery road is not my ideal way to get from point A to point B. But you gotta do what you gotta do, right? ~ Anyway, this morning's lesson was superb. The 2 hours flew by. Komiyama and I talked about Alaska (where he's going for duty in Sep/Oct), food (especially Japanese food), and my English classes at the school. He is such a nice man and knows more English than he even credits himself for.
The rest of the day was fine, you know, the usual. Although, teaching with laryngitis is extremely difficult. I only hope I can make it through my 10 hour day tomorrow. I may have absolutely no voice by the end of it. As of now, I still have a little left in me. But it's going, going, going...

Laryngitis

Got up this morning, went to the gym, did a load of laundry, watched Nip/Tuck, went to work, taught one private, followed by three terrible, misbehaved classes, and one good, well-behaved class- all with laryngitis and a headache. Not the most fun I've ever had. I was definitely counting down the minutes of each class. Tomorrow, I have to go to the Japanese Military Base to teach a private, 2-hour English lesson. I know, I know- you all wish you could be me ;)

I apologize for sounding so bitter lately. But, honestly, that's just how it's been recently. Over-worked and under-appreciated. Sucks sometimes.

Ben is Dead

Reina

My New (and Favorite) Student

Today was everlasting. But that's just how my Wednesdays go. What upset me most was waking up to find out that I was seriously attacked last night by a very mean/hungry mosquito. 7 bites (3 on my right leg, 2 on my left, 1 on my arm and 1 on my finger). Seriously? And if that's not bad enough, there was yet another roach (Ben) in my bathroom. I took care of him. I just hate that my apartment is infested. I blame it all on living next door to the wood shop. I hate the wood shop. Plus, the wood-making employees wake me up every morning around 7am chopping/sawing wood. Is that really necessary? C'mon now. Let's be a little more respectful, right?

So...I counted...18 weeks exactly until August 19th (which was my first day of work here in Okinawa and when my year contract is up). Who's excited???

Banana Juice

Today bored me...until my last class, which entertained me. Gotta love my high school girls. It's the little things they do, and they don't even realize, that make them so funny. If it weren't for my older students, I would go insane with just my elementary school classes. Some days they drive me a little crazy. And I will never understand why so many of them continue to speak to me in Japanese. It never ceases. They ask me questions, give me answers, and tell me stories- all in their native language. You would think that after having me as a their teacher for these past 8 months, they would know that Sarah Sensei knows absolutely no Japanese. No matter how hard I try, they just don't get it- and neither do I.

Thunder Storming

It's thunder storming right now, quite profusely. It's been raining all evening. At first I was upset because I had more things to get done out and about. But now I am enjoying the storm, with my window wide open, watching Chelsea Lately on YouTube.

Today: Starbucks, Naha Main Place, and San-A.

Tomorrow: Work, work, work.

Awamorie, New Chopsticks, Quail Eggs, and Japanese Fashion

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone enjoys their Easter Sunday today! Mine was absolutely nothing special. I was hung-over, my family didn't call me, and I cut my finger while cutting up some veggies for my stir-fry. I lost a lot of blood in my finger today. No band-aids. Just another ordinary day.

Ryusho (stuck in his chair) and Sakura (cutie)

T00 Much Vodka

I am pretty wasted right now...I have super good hearing while I am drunk- it is so weird. I can hear my watch ticking the seconds away. And I'm not even wearing a watch...
I just got back from American Idol. Before that- Rehab (and Sakura Saka G). I must go now. My head is spinning and I must lay down- too much Vodka. I was about to to hit on Stephen's girlfriend tonight (sorry, Stephen), but that would be unethical. I don't think I will feel so great tomorrow.
Oh my goodness- tomorrow is Easter! I love Easter- but it will mean a whole lot of nothing to me here. Sucky. I convinced my students this week that the Easter Bunny and I are best friends. Also, I told them that I am half-Chinese/ half-Japanese. They believed me.
Happy Easter Everyone!

Today's Lesson

"Dance Party tonight at Miss Sarah's house!" This was their lesson today. It was an anouncement shared and passed onto others throughout the evening. Word spread like wildfire and my students should be on their way in at any given moment...
I have dance parties just about every night. Usually they're by myself. Occassionally I invite VIPs, but more often than not, it's just me dancing in front of my mirror...
I am so excited that I only have to work for 10 hours tomorrow and then it's finally the weekend! I have been waiting all week for this! Two words: Vodka and Dancing :)
I can't believe I'm putting in extra time (over-time) next week at work; why did I agree to this? If only I knew how to say, "no." But I do get paid extra. So, I'll stop complaining now.
Today was Pay Day. I heart Pay Days (the money and the candy bars).
Ok, peace out. Have a happy day! ~Smile, it makes the world a happier place.~

Black Russians

Ok, so, let's be honest. I am a little, teenie tiny bit intoxicated right now. I just got back from Noracro bar and had me some Black Russians (they make their drinks super, duper strong... I'm not complaining). Anyway, there's a lot going on in my head right now, but I cannot type it all at this moment. I'm trying really hard to not make any typing errors. My head is not just a hat rack, my friends!
Okay, thank you and goodbye. I promise to write something better and more interesting tomorrow night. Lots of Love. I miss America! I love you, Cathy!
Today= Japan Land pisses me off! There's a million and one things I miss about the U. S. of A. Trust...
Peace, Love, and Happiness. KAMPI!

Doraemon: Friday Nights 7pm

My Kids' Favorite Cartoon: Doraemon

He looks like a cat, but he's actually a robot from the future.

Yeah-Go North Carolina! My team won in the NCAA! I only lost 4500 yen. For some reason, I thought I lost more, guess not; I'm quite pleased with the results.

Three weeks from today = Golden Week! This means 8 days of vacation time away from work! I seriously cannot wait. Every day gets a little bit closer.
I need to learn how to be an unaggressive driver, especially in Japan where people do not know how to drive and I'm on a ginskey. Be smart, Sarah, be smart...
I am really unhappy about this new, ASIP program, we started this week (After School Immersion Program). It's a hot mess. Disastrous.
Alright, keep it real. I'm ready for the weekend-just 3 days away.
Will somebody pretty please send me an Easter Basket? I will return the favor and buy you something pretty. :) Arigato Gozaimasu (Thank You Very Much).

I Am So Sleepy

This morning, I randomly met an artist who owns his own gallery on the 6th floor at Rybo. He drew me some kind of Japanese art, right on the spot. I'm not sure what it means or why he felt the need to draw me anything. I was a little confused. But a thoughtful act on his part, nonetheless. ~ I then had the pleasure of sitting for a 3 hour and 15 minute hair appointment. I'm not crazy about the hair color, but it does look much better today than it did yesterday. So, I won't cry about it this time. At first, I was pretty nervous because the dye burned my head. I was praying my hair wouldn't fall out; it didn't, but I am pretty sure my scalp is burned. Even while I was sitting, waiting for the dye to set, I put my hand to my head and it was on fire. I don't think that's normal.

Immediately after my appointment, I had to run into work by 2pm. Teaching was fine, nothing special, but I didn't get out of work til 11:45pm (due to a staff meeting, which lasted much too long).

I just found out tonight that Easter is this Sunday (4/12). Who knew? Definitely no one around here knew that. :(

Asaki & Ayano

A couple of my high school students, Asaki and Ayano, wanted to go shopping with me today. So- off to Oroku Jusco for the day! They are a couple of my favorite girls- kind spirits, big hearts.

Please say a prayer for me for tomorrow. I am so excited (and so nervous) to get my hair done. I don't know if I can go through another hair disaster (Nov/Dec). Seriously- that was hell. And right now, it is really, really awful. I have pictures (in fact, from today), but no, you may not see them. Perhaps another day, another time. Then we can laugh about it. Right now, not a laughing matter. Inappropriate. In a couple of days...maybe. But if my hair is worse tomorrow than it is today- I will not be a happy camper. I may have to throw down.

Miss Sarah: "Shino, what country do you want to visit someday?"
Shino: "DISNEYLAND!"

Asaki and Ayano

Yumi and Kaori

Today, I went to Naha Main Place (twice). This evening, I went with the girls, Yumi and Kaori; my bestest friends in all of Okinawa. Afterwards, we went out, and they tried to play matchmakers between myself and one of their big, black friends. He was a really, really nice guy- but God knows how picky I am. Anywho, we're all hanging out again this weekend.
~I love Vodka.~

Yumi and Kaori

I'd Rather Not

As much as I love working for 10 hours, teaching 8 classes, every Saturday, let's just say I'd rather not. As long as I'm living in Japan, Saturdays will continue to be my least favorite day of the week. But I do adore my students (most of them).

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom

I love that I have one of my student's (Honoka) singing, Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, by Selena (I introduced this song one night to my elementary class. It caught on). Who knew that a Japanese girl, who hardly speaks English, could sing a Spanish song? She amuses me.
Joshua and I finished painting the kids' room today. So now that will be ready for our new "After School Immersion Program," which begins next week. Extra work, no extra pay. Can you feel my excitement? I need a break.

Mizuki & Kei

I thoroughly enjoyed this Thursday. I went to Oroku Jusco and bought things I don't need, did some laundry, painted a sun in the kids' room at work (I like to think I am an artist), taught 5 classes, drank Starbucks coffee, played with Mizuki and Kei, and ran into Chisa and her mother at San-A. Chisa is the most adorable 5-year old I think I will ever know. I wish I could have her. I still have to talk to her mother about that...

My Students: Mizuki and Kei (love them)

Love You, Manda-Poo Bear

Today flew by so fast. I really hate how long my Wednesdays are, but they're also the most rewarding. I went for a run this morning, got back on my bike today (amazing), taught my darling pre-school class at 10am, went to MaxValue and Tsutaya (rented Friends and Sex and the City episodes), and taught 4 elementary and 1 JHS class.

What I loved about today: Chisa's smile, Moe's kisses, and Yu's dumb ass remarks.

And nothing beats Amanda's package I received today. Seriously, this one's hard to beat. Thank you so much, Manda-Poo Bear! You are beyond amazing! Bless your heart! :)