Adventures in Public Transport

Just when I thought that I was getting used to the public transportation system in Seoul, I experienced three rather disturbing events (within a span of about 24 hours) that have left me somewhat…shaken. First off, on my way home from work on Friday evening, I found myself on a jam-packed bus, without a seat, stuck in traffic. Sounds bad, doesn’t it? That’s just the beginning…

I was standing there, feet aching, nostrils filled with the many unpleasant smells of a crowded Seoul bus, when the driver did something really bold. He left the bus-lane and headed over to the painted median, deciding to use it as a passing lane. There he was, honking his horn, getting his busload of weary passengers out of the traffic-jam, my hero: the daring bus driver. Just when I was thinking, this is my kind of bus driver, something terrible happened…thump! The entire bus gasped. That’s right; he had hit a car (in which the passengers were a woman and two young children).

Don’t worry, there were no injuries, just an ugly looking scratch along the side of the woman’s pristine, white Kia. In fact, one of the little boys seemed to think it was all very exciting that mommy had been hit by a bus. I know this, because I happened to be standing right at the front of the bus and watched the whole apology (with profuse bowing on the driver’s part) and trading of insurance information spiel between the woman and the driver.

While this was going on, several passengers decided to get off the bus and brave the three lanes of oncoming traffic to get to the sidewalk. I decided that I would get off at the next stop, even though I was far from home. I had dinner at a restaurant and by the time I was done, the traffic had waned and I boarded a bus driven by a less audacious bus driver. I made it home safe and sound.

On Saturday, I braved public transport once again. I had an appointment for a facial at a spa in Itaewon, followed by my bi-weekly massage at Healing Hands. I was waiting for the subway at Sadang, and as it arrived, three drunken men in their late fifties (it is quite common to see older men drunk off their asses in the middle of the day here in Seoul) push to the front of the line and board the subway.

I found a seat, unfortunately directly facing them, and watched the bedlam ensue. Two of the men had found a seat, but the third wasn’t as lucky. He tried to squat on the floor of the subway, but toppled over. Then, he decided to attempt to sit in his buddy’s lap and tumbled onto the unfortunate young woman sitting beside him. She hastily stood up and walked over to the subway door, turning her back to them.

I sat there, trying not to make eye contact with the drunken trio. They were very loud and obnoxious, especially the most inebriated of the three (the fellow who had forced the young woman out of her seat). Let’s just call him Mr. Topsy-Turvy. He kept yelling out the same phrase (my Korean still sucks, so I can’t repeat it for you) and hugging his friends. Then, he grabbed his friend’s face and planted a wet one on him, much to his protest. This was the last straw for the stern-looking gentleman sitting directly to their right. He stood up and walked over to where the young lady was standing. From there, he gave them the evil-eye.

In the meantime, there were three school-aged children, a girl and two boys, who had been fooling around on the subway, running back and forth, being typical kids. The little girl finally got bored and sat on her mother’s lap. The boys, however, continued their boisterous subway game. Every time they passed in front of the drunken trio, I would think to myself, something’s going to happen. Well, it did. The stern-looking gentleman, clearly perturbed by the behaviour of the intoxicated trio and the misbehaving children, had had enough. Again, I can’t repeat exactly what he said, but he shouted something at those kids that sent them scurrying back to their mom.

Well, this infuriated Mr. Topsy-Turvy. He stood up, fell once again, then recovered himself and stumbled over to the mom and her two boys. I have no idea what he said to them, but the mom briskly took their hands and lead them as far away as possible from Mr. Topsy-Turvy. I was very relieved that the next stop was mine. This was all too much for what was supposed to be my relaxing Saturday afternoon.

My final anecdote took place on my way home, after my wonderful massage. I had stopped at Sadang to do a little shopping at a cosmetics shop that I like there. When I emerged from the subway station to take the bus, it was raining cats and dogs. I patiently waited for the bus, under my umbrella. When the bus finally arrived, I struggled with my umbrella and managed to close it just in time. I was glad to see that the entire back of the bus was free. I headed over to find a seat but stopped dead in my tracks when I saw that the reason why there were so many free seats was that someone had puked back there. Suddenly, I wished that I were still standing outside in the rain.

I found a seat near the front of the bus, opened a window and stuck my head out, in order to escape the smell, paying no heed to the downpour. I watched as every new passenger boarded, looking surprised and grateful for the abundance of seats at the back of the bus. One after the other, they would do what I had done; head to the back of the bus, take one look, make a disgusted face and head back to the front of the bus. I kind of felt like I was watching an episode of candid camera, until it happened; this bloke got on the bus, headed straight to the back, looked down, saw the vomit, and sat down! I couldn’t help myself; I gasped and then stated, out loud, “He’s sitting in the puke.” A few people stared at me. I didn’t care. That dude was sitting in puke. That was all I could think about the rest of the way home. I kept turning around, to see if he was still there, and he was, smiling inanely.

So ends my adventures in public transport…until the next time, that is. Today, I have no intention of leaving my flat. However, tomorrow I’ve got to go back to work, which means braving public transport once again. Wish me luck…

Good News

I have some good news. I think that I have entered the Adjustment Stage of Culture Shock. Of course, the Withdrawal Stage could once again rear its ugly head. To be honest, the experience that I had with Asiana Airlines is probably what triggered the Withdrawal Stage for me. That, coupled with the initial communication problems at work. Although things could be better, the communication issues have improved, mostly because I've learned to cope with the way Koreans go about doing things. I am, after all, a guest in this country and it's up to me to adapt. My biggest problem still lies with the communication problems and general rude behaviour of pretty much half of the teaching staff. I've chosen to focus on developing as a teacher, my lovely students and my positive and helpful co-workers.

As explained by Kwintessential Cross-Cultural Solutions...

'Culture shock' is used to describe the emotional rollercoaster that someone experiences when living in a new country. Anyone that has worked and lived in a foreign country will experience culture shock of some sort.

Culture shock affects anyone from business personnel and their families, to EFL teachers to sports stars. Recognising culture shock is an important way of being able to deal with it. Dealing with it helps minimise the risk of becoming disillusioned with a new country and the possibility of deciding that a quick return 'home' is the only solution.

Experts agree that culture shock has stages and all agree that once people get beyond the initial and most difficult stages, life in a new country becomes a lot better.

Outlined below is an example of the stages people go through with culture shock:

Stage 1 - Excitement
The individual experiences a holiday or 'honeymoon' period with their new surroundings.

They:

• Feel very positive about the culture
  
• Are overwhelmed with impressions
  
• Find the new culture exotic and are fascinated
  
• Are passive, meaning they have little experience of the culture
  

Stage 2 - Withdrawal
The individual now has some more face to face experience of the culture and starts to find things different, strange and frustrating.

They:

• Find the behaviour of the people unusual and unpredictable
  
• Begin to dislike the culture and react negatively to the behaviour
  
• Feel anxious
  
• Start to withdraw
  
• Begin to criticize, mock or show animosity to the people
  

Stage 3 - Adjustment
The individual now has a routine, feels more settled and is more confident in dealing with the new culture.

They:

• Understand and accept the behaviour of the people
  
• Feel less isolated
  
• Regains their sense of humour
  

Stage 4 - Enthusiasm
The individual now feels 'at home'.

They:

• Enjoy being in the culture
  
• Functions well in the culture
  
• Prefer certain cultural traits of the new culture rather than their own
  
• Adopt certain behaviours from the new culture
  

© Kwintessential Ltd

My Head is Stuck on Something Precious...

Last night, I went to the opera for the first time in my life! I saw Bizet’s Carmen at the Seoul Arts Center with Gen. I enjoyed the performance, but I was lost, since the dialogue was in Korean and although the libretto was of course performed in the original French, I was only able to catch words here and there, because I am not accustomed to the operatic style of singing. Nonetheless, it was an interesting experience and made me feel very grown-up and civilized. I have always wanted to clap my hands and shout, “Bravo!” Another dream fulfilled.

Speaking of dreams and things to look forward to, I am going to see Duran Duran in April at the Seoul Olympic Park! I'm especially stoked because I never got to see them live when they came to Montreal in 1984. I was only 13 and I wasn't allowed to go. I did see them open for Bowie in 1987, but sadly, haven't seen them since. Then, in 2005, I was living in Japan, when I found out that I'd finally get my chance to see the original line-up (Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor & Andy Taylor). I purchased VIP tickets to their show in Fukuoka. I was devastated when I found out that the Japanese leg of the tour had been cancelled. So, you can see why I'm pretty stoked about seeing them here in Seoul (even though Andy has left the band). It's been a long time and I've missed them...

I was a mega Duranie during my formative years, between the ages of 13 and 16, and I still have a soft spot for them. They remind me of my early teenage years, when I was all sweet and innocent. They were the first band I ever loved. Duran Duran were responsible for the beginning of my true appreciation of British music and were most likely responsible for turning me into an Anglophile. Then again, that particular obsession probably started way earlier, because my older brothers used to listen to the Beatles, the Who, and of course, Bowie and I would sneak into their room when they weren't home and play their albums.

However, Duran Duran were the first band that I could truly call my own. I saved my babysitting money to buy their albums and spent my weekends hunting down rare import singles and long-versions. To this day, my Japanese import single of Planet Earth (Late Bar b-side - awesome!) is one of my most prized possessions. I anxiously awaited each new issue of BOP!, Tiger Beat, Teen Beat, etc. I bought every book on Duran Duran that I could find. My walls (including the ceiling) were adorned with Duran Duran posters. I watched every video show televised in Canada: Video Hits, Good Rockin' Tonite, Friday Night Videos, praying that the Fab Five would make an appearance. If I was lucky, they played a video. If I was super lucky, I got an interview too! I was the only one of my friends to own Sing Blue Silver & Arena and watched them over and over. "I mean, gimme a wristbaaaand!" I still have a crush on Simon Le Bon. He will always be my first true love.

The Flight from Hell

It was with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to my mum, dad and nephew Michael-Todd at PET Airport on the 29th of December 2007, having only had three hours of fitful sleep. I honestly felt like I was making a huge mistake. I kept shaking my head and saying, "What am I DOING?" Still, I walked through that gate...and only looked back once.

Sitting at gate 78, unable to even find the energy or motivation to listen to my iPod or leaf through one of the magazines I had bought, I sat there sighing deeply and staring off into space. Suddenly, I realised that someone was talking to me. The person in question was a lovely woman named Kathleen. Now, this lady was very excited and nervous, as most people boarding an airplane for the very first time would be. It was actually her first time in an airport and the kicker is...this lady is 62 years old! She's from Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean, but she's an Anglophone, of Irish decent. She has lived in Saint-Jean her whole life and is an English teacher there. In fact, when she found out that I was headed to South Korea to teach English, she suggested that I look for work as a teacher in Saint-Jean upon my return, as they're always looking for English teachers there. I thanked her for the advice, but of course, explained that I didn't want to be a teacher forever and that I was planning on most likely pursuing graduate studies after my Korean adventure.

Talking with Kathleen was very comforting. For one thing, her exhilaration at the prospect of boarding a flight for the first time was contagious. She told me all about her trip, and that helped distract me from my melancholy. She was flying to Chicago, then Minneapolis where she was meeting friends she had met on the Internet and embarking on a road trip to California. This was not only her first time on a plane, but also her first time travelling outside of Canada. Furthermore, she was sort of like a mother figure and really easy to talk to. I barely even scratched the surface on the bizarreness of my life, but she told me that I should write a book. I enjoyed listening to her stories about her teaching experiences in small town Quebec and tales of her rebellious daughter who has tattoos, piercings and pink hair, but is also a teacher. On top of that, I was able to offer her all sorts of advice and actually ended up coaching and calming her throughout take-off, in flight and during the landing, as I was sitting in the same row as her on the tiny Air Canada Jazz aircraft. So, that was the flight to Chicago...

When I arrived in Chicago, I decided to think positive. I was actually starting to feel a lot better, sitting there listening to The Colourfield on my iPod, watching people go by as I waited for the Asiana counter to open. I decided to go outside for a smoke and met a Jordanian man who works in Chicago and had just said goodbye to his wife and daughter, who were going to Jordan for the next six months. When he found out where I was going and what I was going to be doing there, he started asking for advice about English colloquialisms and pronunciation. He explained that when he first arrived in Chicago, he could barely speak English. He too, was a pleasure to converse with and he actually hugged me and wished me Happy New Year before we parted ways.

So, by the time I got in line at Asiana, now listening to Oasis on the iPod; I was actually feeling somewhat cheerful. I was one of two non-Koreans in line and was secretly re-living fond memories of Japan in my mind, telling myself that this was going to be an adventure and an unforgettable experience and that I'd meet all kinds of fascinating people along the way. I mean, I had already met two interesting people and hadn't even left Chicago. That's when it happened. That's when Don't Look Back in Anger was interrupted by who would turn out to be one of the most obnoxious human beings I've ever met in my entire life...Daniel from Kingston, ON. That's when everything really started going downhill...

Remember Spike & Chester from Looney Tunes? Spike was the bulldog and Chester was the annoying little sidekick terrier. Well, if you want to get an idea of just how annoying Daniel from Kingston was, just think of Chester. Better yet, while we’re on the topic of annoying, comic-relief sidekicks, just think of Jar Jar Binks. Honestly, I think I would have rather been stuck at Chicago O’Hare Airport with either Chester or Jar Jar Binks than Daniel. Words that spring to mind when I reluctantly recall the nightmare that was spending six hours stuck in the shittiest airport in America with Daniel are: ADHD, spastic, pseudo-intellectual, over enthusiastic, hyper, know it all, uncool, wannabe-raver, fake, egocentric, boring.

In fact, I am not going to waste any more time writing about him, because I just can't truly capture the level of his repulsiveness without the irritating tone of voice and affected mannerisms. So, the next time you see me, just ask me to do an impersonation. I have an incredible memory when it comes to human behaviour, and will never forget those dreadful hours spent with Daniel. If I ever feel the need to add an annoying sidekick to the novel that I will one day write, he will make an excellent reference. However, for the time being, I have more important things to do than write about him.

I’m sure that by now, you all know that Asiana Airlines lost my luggage. What you may not know is that when I arrived at Incheon International Airport (three and a half hours late, I might add, since the plane sat on the tarmac in Chicago for three and a half hours because there was something wrong with the cargo hold door) exhausted after being on that plane for 17 hours, emotional and still uncertain about my decision to come to South Korea, I had a breakdown. The breakdown in question occurred when I found out that the airline had lost my luggage. My eyes filled with tears, I blurted out, to some random Texan and his wife at the lost baggage counter, “This is a sign! I’m making a huge mistake! I wasn’t meant to come to this country! What have I done?!”

Well, here we are, two months down the road. I still feel that I’ve made a mistake coming here, but I’m trying to make the best of it, taking it one day at a time. Lately, I’ve been feeling somewhat depressed for myriad reasons. First of all, I found out for certain this week that my suitcase is lost forever. I am in mourning over the priceless items that I will never see again. Moreover, I found out that I will only be compensated for 460,000 WON (about $500) as this is the policy of most major airlines ($20 per kilogram for a maximum of 23kg). At least, I am covered by my mum’s insurance policy and have opened a file regarding my lost suitcase with Allstate. This means that I have a lot of work to do. I am in the middle of compiling a comprehensive list of all of the items that I have lost. Many of these items were purchased abroad; in England, France, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand, Egypt, so it is quite the daunting task. Some of the items are of sentimental value and can never be replaced, unless someone invents a time machine in my lifetime.

Furthermore, I’ve been sick for over two weeks and can’t seem to regain my health, as I feel extremely overworked and exhausted. To make matters worse, although I can’t say that I hate my job, because most of my students (both children and adults) are lovely and I am enjoying the freedom and creativity of planning all of my own lessons, there is a grave communication problem at my workplace and it’s really starting to bring me down. I truly feel that half of the teachers that I work with really don’t seem to care very much at all and there is a great lack of team spirit, camaraderie and unity, compared to other overseas teaching jobs that I have had. Lastly, and I may just be experiencing “Stage 2” of culture shock, but I honestly feel that I will never have the same affinity or sentiment for Korea as I do for Japan. My experience in Japan was very special and I realise that, now more than ever.

Now, to end on a more positive note…my manager at Gwacheon (Jin) was away on business in the Philippines and was temporarily replaced by Leo from the Sadang office, who is extremely helpful and kind. He volunteered to call Asiana Airlines for me and managed to get me a slightly better deal. In addition to the 460,000 WON, the airline will provide me with free return airfare to Japan. I’m thinking about heading there for my birthday in May, but have made no definite plans yet. It’s something to look forward to.

I'm going to South Korea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I've been back in Montreal for two months and have still not managed to find any interesting or lucrative work opportunities. I have been looking for work outside the daycare spectrum, as I have become completely discouraged with daycare. In my humble opinion, it is a thankless job in the sense that daycare educators are underpaid and offered zero benefits (especially in Quebec) and although the kids are adorable and the parents appreciative, the negative aspects of daycare work far outweigh the positive ones. So...I have decided to eventually pursue graduate studies. However, I need to be able to fund this future project, so have decided to embark upon another overseas teaching adventure!

I have been busy researching jobs in South Korea and have come across a relatively new (first implemented in 2004) and exciting approach to language learning. The concept in question is the "Korean English Village," a government funded, English only campus where language teachers engage children in role-playing activities in simulated environments such as an imitation bank, hospital, train station, post office, etc. I think it's a very creative approach to language learning and the hands-on concept follows my philosophy of "learning through experience" as opposed to "mindless rote learning."

So...I decided to look for employment opportunities in one of these English Villages. I came across two job postings and applied to both on October 30th. Within less than an hour of sending out my CV via e-mail, I received e-mail responses from both agencies. Within 24 hrs, I had already had phone interviews with both recruiters. The first recruiter explained that the position that I had applied for was no longer available, but offered me several other teaching positions. The second recruiter was very impressed with my credentials and arranged an interview with a representative from the Korean Ministry of Education for November 1st. The following morning, I found out that I got the job! The position is at a new English Village opening in January 2008 in Gwacheon. I have already begun the visa application process. I will probably be leaving for Korea in December. This is all happening so fast...it feels a little surreal to me.

I am feeling very positive and am excited about this interesting opportunity. I'm looking forward to returning to Asia. Of course, I'm nervous as well, and I know that I will miss my family and friends. Saying "goodbye" is never easy. I'm also sad to say that I won't be attending ISCM this summer. I really feel that I need a change and I also have to think about my future. This job in Korea will not only provide me with what I hope will be an incredible experience, but the necessary funds to follow my future goals.

For more information regarding English Villages, visit these sites:

Wikipedia Definition of English Village
Newspaper Article about English Villages
Gwacheon English Village

Felicitations!

Congratulations to Isabelle and Rodger on their new addition! Oliver joined his siblings Remi, Daphne & Penelope on Thursday 13th September 2007, weighing in at an incredible 9 pounds 6 ounces! I am thrilled for the wonderful and ever-growing Phillips family and wish them much continued happiness!

In other news, yeah, yeah, yeah...I know I haven't posted in an eternity, but I was working (and partying) my ass off in the Swiss Alps, not to mention sharing two computers with like 150 people and barely having time to check my e-mail, let alone update the old blog. However...I'm back in Montreal (for now) and currently unemployed, so you can look forward to more regular posting habits...until I find a new fabulous job, that is.

I'm still addicted to Facebook (as are about 34 million others, I've heard) so, as long as I remain unemployed you will often be able to find me on there. I've added loads of new pics from my summer in Switzerland and my travels in Italy to the site. I made a lot of new friends at ISCM and was thrilled to be reunited with friends from the previous summer, even if it was only for a short time. I'm planning on going back next year...hopefully!

I've also recently joined a new Mod group started by none other than Marko and Sanjiv and have been catching up with old friends, which is great! My dear friend Laverne (who's been sending me loads of old pics, for which I'm deeply appreciative) is convinced that Facebook has forever changed our lives and is currently taking a course called Healing Through Art and has been working on some pieces she calls "Facebook" and "Healing through Facebook." All I can say is, since I've joined Facebook, I've been feeling very nostalgic and even my dreams have been affected by the memories now flooding my brain. Okay, I'm a little mental, I know. What else is new?

Mike & Miyuki's Wedding Day

My return to Japan was too short but so sweet. My deepest thanks go to my incredible friends Mike & Miyuki Musial. They are truly one of the kindest, most generous, coolest couples on the face of the earth and I feel priviliged to call them my good friends. They are like family to me and seeing them again was amazing, to say the least.

Their wedding day was incredible, and that's an understatement. It was an extraordinary celebration that matched the uniqueness of this wonderful couple. I've uploaded photos from the special occasion onto facebook (my latest addiction) and will soon be uploading them, along with more photos from my return to Japan onto smugmug.

A Japanese wedding begins with the kekkonshiki or marriage ceremony, which is held at a Shinto shrine. Mike & Miyuki's ceremony was held at the beautiful Usa Shrine. Miyuki looked fantastic in a pure white kimono or shiromuku, complete with tsuno-kakushi, a headdress which is meant to hide her horns of envy. Mike looked very kakui in his masculine black, white and grey kimono.

Shintoism is one of the two major religions practiced in Japan, and as such it plays a very important role in many Japanese customs, including marriage. As Shintoism is an “animistic” religion, it incorporates the belief of many different manifest spirits. These spirits are known as kami, and most major events in Japanese life include an element of purification, a process by which kami who may cause mischief are chased out while the ceremony participants seek the blessing of benevolent kami by cleansing themselves.

The Shinto ceremony is traditionally quite small. Only the immediate families of the bride and groom, the Nakudos, and perhaps some other family members usually attend. The ceremony itself is rather short but very symbolic. In this way, it reflects the Japanese traditions of perfection and beauty within simplicity. The bride and groom perform the ritual of san-san-kudo, or “three-by-three exchange of nuptial cups”. After the exchange, the attendants on both sides exchange sake to signify the union of the two families.

Miko (shrine virgins) play a key part in the Shinto marriage ceremony. These young girls have performed rituals of purification and are therefore appropriate ambassadors between the kami and the participants. The miko wear red and white dresses and are responsible for serving the sake.

At Mike & Miyuki's ceremony, we were also treated to a kagura (ceremonial dance) performed by one of the shrine virgins. Music plays a very important role in the kagura performance. Everything from the setup of the instruments to the most subtle sounds and the arrangement of the music is crucial to encouraging the kami to come down and dance. The songs are used as magical devices to summon the gods and as prayers for blessings. Rhythm patterns of five and seven are common, possibly relating to the Shinto belief of the twelve generations of heavenly and earthly deities. There is also a vocal accompaniment called kami uta in which the drummer sings sacred songs to the gods. Often the vocal accompaniment is overshadowed by the drumming and instruments, reinforcing that the vocal aspect of the music is more for incantation rather than aesthetics.

Here is a breakdown of the Shinto Wedding Ceremony:

• First the couple are purified by the priest, meaning that they are made pure before the gods.
• The priest reads a ritualistic prayer, announcing the marriage and offering a prayer.
• Exchanging the nuptial cups of the marriage oath called sansankudo.
• Exchanging vows with wedding rings.
• The groom reads a vow aloud. The bride adds only her name at the end.
• Bride and groom offer tamagushi (An object presented to the kami by a priest or worshiper, composed of a sprig of evergreen sakaki to which paper streamers have been attached) at the altar and bow.
• At the end, the members of both families drink to indicate that they are now one family.

I am forever grateful to Mike & Miyuki and their families for allowing me to participate in this amazing experience with them. Arigatou gozaimashita!

Following the marriage ceremony, is the kekkon hiroen or wedding reception. Mike and Miyuki's reception was held at a picturesque, mountain-top reception hall and was truly a fairy tale brought to life. It was a very emotional and joyous celebration. Upon arrival, we were entertained by a trio of Japanese musicians, including a taiko drum player who played for us on the terrace overlooking the mountains. Sugoikatta! Then, we toasted the couple with a fruit drink consisting of orange, pineapple, lemon and passion fruit juices. Oishikatta! This "magical fruit" cocktail is meant to bring anyone who drinks it happiness and good luck. It is also said that if a couple drinks this together, their dreams will come true and they will live happily ever after.

The couple (Miyuki now wearing a highly detailed, colourful kimono) was escorted onto the terrace by an oni (Japanese mythological devil-like demon with long nails, wild hair, a fierce look and two horns on their forehead) dancer. Although once thought to devour humans, in more recent times, oni have lost some of their original wickedness and sometimes take on a more protective function. Men in oni costumes often lead Japanese parades to ward off any bad luck, for example. Therefore, having the oni present the newlywed couple to the guests was a purely symbolic gesture and represents good fortune, as the demon wards off any bad luck. It seems to have worked, because everything about Mike & Miyuki's wedding day was absolutely perfect!

The oni continued to dance around the reception hall, approaching guests throughout the first course of an outstanding meal (Japanese/French fusion cuisine). He terrified poor little Taiyo (Mark and Yumi's 18 month old son) who was sitting beside me. Between almost every course, each more delicious than the last, guests were entertained by a variety of events, including family speeches, the decorating and cutting of the wedding cake, Miyuki's changing into a Western style wedding dress and later a yellow Princess-like dress and Mike's changing into a silver Edwardian-style tuxedo, Miyuki presenting all of the single women (including moi) with gorgeous bouquets, Mike's former kindergarten class singing to and presenting flowers to the happy couple, etc. Here are some photos depicting some of these events:



The children decorate the wedding cake

Western style wedding attire

The cutting of the wedding cake

The bride presents the singletons with bouquets

The kids sing to the happy couple

The union of two wonderful families

Following the reception was a three-hour break for the couple and wedding guests. Everybody had a chance to get slightly refreshed (nap, shower, massage chair, hot spring bath, etc.) then change into more casual clothing. Later, the party continued with the nijikai or second reception at Nakatsu's Garden Bar. Here, we were joined with more of Miyuki's extended family as well as more friends. There was a buffet and open bar and an insanely generous game of bingo (we're talking iPods and a Nintendo Wii as prizes). I later found out that there was a cover-charge at the second reception, but mine was paid for by Miyuki's parents. I never got the chance to thank them for their incredible generosity. I got to spend time with many old friends and meet new ones and fun was had by all!

The party continued at Tropicoco Cafe, my old Nakatsu stomping ground. The highlight of this portion of the evening was when Walter (Mike's older brother) got up on stage, made a multi-lingual speech and announced the wedding dance. We all danced, drank and were merry into the wee hours of the morn. Good times!!!!


Miyuki was tired and left with her friend Kumiko by car while Mike, Marky, Marc, Nick and I ended the night with a drink (four beers and a chu-hi) at a stone table in the park where some of us used to play footie and some of us used to attend fitness with the Pads. We talked about old times and more good times ahead. The perfect ending to a perfect day. Shiawase!

This entry was a pleasure but took me several hours to complete. Please stay tuned for more entries relating to my return to Japan...eventually. Remember, I've also got the rest of the photos to upload to smugmug, two weeks left of work at Playskool, preparations for Switzerland and oh yeah...I better go get ready for my family birthday dinner that begins in less than two hours! Mata ne!

Assorted Ramblings

It was Evan Dando of The Lemonheads who first introduced me to Ben Kweller. Not personally, of course, although that would be much cooler. About a year ago, I read somewhere that Evan was so impressed with Ben that he invited him to go on tour with him across America and Europe. I hold Evan's opinion in high regard, so I decided to check him out. I think Ben's a talented songwriter and I really dig his old-school rock yet indie style.

Yesterday, I wasted two precious hours of my life watching one of the most boring movies I've ever seen. Warning: Do not rent Running with Scissors!!! If you already have rented the DVD (or heaven forbid, actually paid full-price to see it at the cinema) I offer you my sincere condolences. Here is an IMDb user's review that pretty much summed up exactly how I felt after watching this rubbish:

"Just because something happens in real life doesn't mean it should happen in a movie. Case in point, Running With Scissors. Memoirs rarely make good movies because they have no plot to speak of and are generally made up of random events that lead to nowhere. Any good filmmaker knows this, but writer/director Ryan Murphy went ahead anyway; he merely has the narrator make a disclaimer up front that we might not believe everything that takes place. Oh, I believe everything happened, all right. What the "creative" team forgot is that the point is not to make me believe, but to make me care. They didn't...and I didn't."

"One bizarre scene after another piles upon the viewer until we're stacked with dysfunctional drivel up to our eyeballs. And it makes no difference whether or not the performances are any good if we're anxiously waiting for the damn movie to be over. Even the usually wonderful Annette Bening cannot salvage this material so completely devoid of rational thought that it knocks off ten IQ points each minute. And, um, what in hell is Gwyneth Paltrow doing in this movie? Did she have some unpaid traffic tickets to take care of? Or is she serving community service? I just don't know. And to tell the truth, I just don't care."

"I won't even dignify this behemoth of boredom with a more detailed review. I just had to warn anyone thinking of seeing this movie that their lives will be robbed of two precious hours that could be spent doing something more productive, like organizing recipes or vacuuming the tub. For those who did pay for this pile of garbage – and I mean emotionally, not financially – I've come up with a plan to get back at the filmmakers. I suggest every disgruntled viewer run with scissors to their local movie theatre and chop up every reel into guitar picks. Then stop by the bookstore on the way home and pick up Augusten Burroughs' funny and insightful book that never should have been adapted (well, obliterated) in the first place."

Believe me, don't let the outstanding cast fool you, this movie sucks. If you want to see a good movie about family dysfunction, there are plenty to choose from. Try renting the hilarious and poignant Little Miss Sunshine, the brilliant The Royal Tenenbaums or one of my all-time favourites, American Beauty.

From celluloid to literature...As I anxiously await the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (which I sadly won't be able to read until I get back from Switzerland since it won't be available until July), I've found a distraction from my obession with Harry Potter. I am currently mesmerized by another fantasy series featuring a young magician.

The series I am speaking of is The Bartimeaus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud. I am almost finished the third book and I just don't want the story to end! The two main characters are Bartimeaus, a sarcastic demon who provides much comic relief throughout and Nathaniel, a bad-ass Harry Potter. I would recommend these books to anyone interested in the genre. Kristen and Isabelle, I think you would like this trilogy!

While I'm on the topic, I was thrilled to recently find out that another favourite trilogy of mine, His Dark Materials by Philipp Pullman is being made into a film, due for release in December 2007. Actually, the film will be based on the first book of the trilogy The Golden Compass but I'm sure that they will be making movie versions of all three books, because each ends on a cliff-hanger. The film will be starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. I can't wait!

In other news, I stopped taking dance classes a couple of weeks ago. I was enjoying the classes, but had to cancel for two reasons: I need to save money and I would have missed too many classes as well as the show because of my upcoming trips. Which brings me to my really big news...

I'm going to Japan!!! My friends Mike & Miyuki are getting married (omedetou gozaimasu) and they're flying me to Japan for the wedding. They are the kindest, most generous couple and I am honored and thrilled to be attending their wedding. I am so excited about seeing them as well as all of my other friends. I'm also very happy about re-visiting my home away from home, Nakatsu. I've been brushing up on my Japanese, studying every day during my lunch hour and am simply salivating at the thought of all of the oishii Japanese food that I've been missing.

I will be leaving on April 23rd and returning on May 4th. I wish that I could stay longer, but I can't afford it and must return to work for a month before heading to Europe. It will be difficult going back to work, but it's only for a month, so I'll have to suck it up and wait it out, while looking forward to returning to ISCM in Switzerland. Then, come June 1st, it'll be sayonara for good to Playskool! I mean it this time. Of course, I'll miss the kids, but I won't miss the constant illness, the lack of communication and organisation or (the worst part for me) the unbelievable shallowness, pettiness and cattiness of some of my fellow co-educators.

I will be leaving for London on June 12th. Then, I'll leave for Geneva on June 17th. My first day of work at ISCM is June 18th. My last day is August 25th. I'll be flying from Paris to Montreal once again, but this year I'll be spending a couple more days in France and plan on possibly visiting Versailles. I will be returning to Montreal on August 31st and then...who knows what adventure awaits? I plan on heading to South Korea but have no definite plans yet, except for the fact that I am definitely not going back to Playskool or any other daycare for that matter.

Lastly, I'm doing rather well with my latest weight-loss and exercise regime. I do cheat on occasion, but have managed to lose 8 lbs since the beginning of February. Of course, I gained 10 lbs within a month of returning from Europe (where I had surprisingly lost 2 lbs...I guess it was the daily alpine hike to work that did it). I have been exercising daily. I do two sets of 300 crunches a day. My abs have never been stronger! I'm not really doing enough cardio, especially since I dropped the dance classes but am looking forward to cycling to work every day once all the snow melts. I'm so sad...it was almost all gone due to springlike temperatures but we were hit with about 20 cm this weekend.

I guess that's it for now. This has been a freakishly long post and I hope that you've enjoyed it. It's actually my second attempt at publishing. My first attempt failed for some reason and I had to start over. Is it me, or is the screen looking a little fuzzy? My head is spinning. Okay...I'm copying and pasting this into Word right now and trying again. Here it goes...

A very sick girl

Promises, promises, eh? I said that I'd be posting again soon, but guess what? I'm sick again. This time it's a bad case of strep throat. I started feeling ill on Wednesday night and only slept 3 hours due to aches and chills. I suspected that I had a fever and my throat was killing me but I went to work anyway since one of my co-educators was on vacation and I don't have any paid sick days left. Bad mistake...

I left work at noon with a fever of 102, severe throat pain and my whole body was aching. I went to the clinic on Friday morning because on Thursday afternoon I was too sick to move from my bed. Actually, I wasn't feeling much better on Friday morning, but didn't really have a choice, eh? So, I've been on antibiotics for three days now and I feel quite a bit better. I have to go back to work on Monday. Mendoksai. Damn, daycare is not for me. I am so over it. I must pick up at least 3 out of 5 viruses that sweep through that place on a regular basis.

I'm gonna go watch The Amazing Race now. Hopefully, I won't catch anything again for a long while (wishful thinking) and will be able to post again soon. Until next time...minasama kiotskete!

Juicebox

Okay, so I haven't posted at all yet this month. I could blame it on the fact that I had a severe sinus infection, or just plain laziness. I will be posting again soon, I promise. Anyway, thought I'd share this awesome video. It's just so funny. I love these guys. Enjoy Juicebox by The Strokes...

Mysterious Skin

I watched the movie Mysterious Skin today on DVD. This haunting film was directed by Japanese American director Gregg Araki. I first heard of Araki when I was working at Blockbuster Video in the late 90's. He is well-known on the indie film circuit. Until today, I had only seen Totally Fucked Up (1993), The Doom Generation (1995) and Nowhere (1997), otherwise known as his "Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy." These films were highly controversial due to their graphic violence and sexuality. On the other hand, Mysterious Skin, a story that deals with the devastating effects of child abuse, based on a 1995 novel by Scott Heim is disturbing on an entirely different level and proves to me that Araki has matured as a filmmaker. The performances given by the young actors in this film are incredible. It is a must see. Click here to read an interview with Araki about this film.

New Look

Today, I had my hair cut and coloured by Carole at Salon Blue Earth. I had been to that salon before, a few times before leaving for Japan, but the stylist who did my hair then has since left, so this was my first time with Carole. I'm really pleased with her, so I'll be going back! I needed a change, even though I'm trying to grow my hair long. I like the layers and I'm loving the colour!

I also bought myself some new, funky winter boots at Yellow and went to the cinema. I finally saw The Departed. It was fantastic, but I'm still not sure if I liked the ending. Last weekend I saw Children of Men, which totally blew me away. Next weekend I'm planning on seeing The Queen. I'm trying to get in the habit of seeing at least one film at the cinema a week, like I used to. It's one of my many 2007 resolutions, along with keeping this blog updated!

Willy Waller 2006

"Eh! Mon ami, t'aimes tu ça manger des patates?" This one's for all of my fellow Quebecer friends... if you don't already know about this video, it's time that you watch it! For everybody else, it may not be that funny. Oh, and most people don't really speak French this badly in Quebec. By the way, if you haven't already, you should hit the pause button on my new music feature before playing the video. Enjoy!

That white, cold stuff...

Okay, I realize that it's been an eternity. I won't bother making excuses about that.

If you're unaware, I should let you know that we have been experiencing an almost snowless winter here in Montreal, which is virtually unheard of. Not only did we have a Green Christmas, but we have had unseasonably high temperatures for most of the winter. You can't go anywhere without hearing people talking about their fears of Global Warming.

The kids in my class haven't had the chance to make a snowball yet this winter, let alone a snowman, so you could imagine my delight when I awoke this morning to snow! Of course, 20 centimeters later, when I found myself waiting an hour for a bus that is supposed to come every 20 minutes and my toes were frozen solid, I wasn't as delighted. But seriously, I'm thrilled about the snow and am looking forward to building a snowman with the kids tomorrow. A Montreal winter without snow...it just didn't feel right.

I just finished watching The Golden Globes and now it's time for bed. I will be posting again soon...I promise.

Europe, here I come!

Well, I'm leaving for Europe in three days. My last day at Playskool was only a week ago, but it's been such a whirlwind of activity since then that it feels like ages ago. I still have a few details to sort out before leaving, but I'm pretty well prepared. I'm nervous about starting the new job, but excited about embarking on this Alpine Adventure!

I've lost 14 lbs (that's one stone to my British friends, 6.4 kg to my Japanese friends) of the initial 30 lbs that I'd wanted to shed. Don't get me wrong, I'm in much better shape than I was when I started out. I've still been exercising every day, but the diet...well, that's another story. I'll keep up the exercise while I'm away and try not to indulge in too much of that yummy Swiss chocolate.

That's all I've got for now. I will post again before I leave...I promise. By the way, check out my smugmug page. I've been working hard at updating it. :)

Decisons, Decisions

The twists and turns of my life never cease to baffle me. I mentioned that my current situation reminded me of the last time I worked at a daycare centre. I'll admit that my nervous feelings in regard to resigning from Montreal Playskool stemmed from my prior experience. The reaction that I got from Brenda yesterday has renewed my hope in humanity, and possibly in daycare centres.

Flashback...I had the most dreadful work experience of my life during the two months that I spent working at Garderie Betty, a daycare centre in my neighbourhood of Ville Saint-Laurent. I don't want to dredge up the entire scenario, but I'll give you the major details...

At Garderie Betty, I worked in the nursery. I was responsible for ten babies between the ages of 9-14 months. Given their young age, most of the day was spent feeding them, comforting them when they cried and changing diapers. It was very difficult planning for such a young age group, but I managed to come up with simple art activities like finger-painting and collage. I would also read them simple storybooks, sing to them (some were able to sing along) and allow them free playtime with the few toys that the daycare provided while supervising them cautiously and attempting to give them as much one-on-one attention as possible.

My co-educator Sophie was as useless as they come. She refused to help me plan, prepare or carry out any of the art activities for the babies. Her attitude was terrible. She would often ignore crying babies and didn't believe in giving them individual attention, stating that we weren't permitted the time to give them the attention they needed, so that was just too bad.

When the babies would go down for their nap, I'd spend my time cutting things out for cut and paste activities, cleaning the classroom, washing the toys, checking the diaper inventory, etc. I would usually only take 30 minutes or less for my actual lunch-hour, because I had so much work to do. Sophie, on the other hand, would spend her time doing her nails, plucking her eyebrows, leaving the daycare for up to two hours at a time to go to the tanning salon, meet friends for lunch, etc. I should also mention that she had had no previous training in childcare whatsoever. She was in fact a licensed esthetician. Go figure.

The worst part was definitely her treatment of the babies. She showed preferential treatment to those she liked, and ignored or screamed at those she didn't like. She overfed the babies and fed them way too quickly, causing some to either throw-up or have severe diarrhea on more than one occassion. The most horrible thing I caught her doing was feeding the babies using the same spoon or even worse, wiping their faces with the same cloth she had used to wipe the table.

I finally decided to speak up and the director (the evil Betty herself) pretended to believe me and sympathise with me. However, she never said anything to Sophie. When I gave my two weeks notice, she flat out refused it. She said that she wouldn't accept my resignation and that we would have a meeting to discuss the problems immediately. Of course, Sophie denied everything and since she had been there for several years, Betty believed her. The only thing that Sophie fessed up to was taking the long lunch-hours, although she made it sound like it was a rarity when in fact it happened almost every day. Betty made her promise that she would not take more than an hour for lunch. She also said that she would move me to another class as soon as possible, since "things weren't working out" between Sophie & I. That was about it.

As far as I know, there was never any effort to move me to another class. I suppose Betty thought that things would settle, imbecile that she is. You can only imagine what Sophie's wrath was like. She totally freaked out on me, called me a liar, said that I'd betrayed her...all this in front of the babies. She still continued to mistreat the babies, in addition to making my life a living hell. She took shorter lunch breaks, which she would spend going to the other classes and bad-mouthing me to other educators.

After about a week of this, I attempted once again to resign. Again the pleading and the promises resumed. Betty also started with the guilt-trip about how I would be letting the children down. I put my foot down and said, "I want to leave! You can't refuse me." Finally, she said, "You want to resign? Well, I won't accept your notice. Finish your day, then leave!"

I never got to say a proper goodbye to the babies or the parents. Some of the mothers started crying when I told them I was leaving that day. It was horrible. However, it gets worse...when I picked up my final paycheck, there was the most hateful letter I have ever read included in the envelope with a note stating that this was the letter that had been given to all of the parents. Basically, the letter was a major assault on my credibility and character, a bunch of venomous fabrications about how I had never had any intention of staying at the daycare and that I had lied about a doctor's appointment and instead had gone to a job interview, blah, blah, blah. I actually kept the letter to remind myself of just how mean-spirited and dishonest people can be.

So...that was the short version. It makes me sick just remembering that horrible experience. Those of you who've known me for a long time...I'm sure that you remember how devastating that experience was for me. I'm sure that you could all imagine why I was so skeptical about how Brenda would react to my resignation this time around. I was also very worried about Tatiana's reaction. Would it be a repeat of the Sophie situation? How would it effect the kids?

So...I called Playskool early Tuesday morning, and told Pamela that I wouldn't be coming into work but that I'd like to have the opportunity to talk with Brenda. She passed the phone to Brenda and we arranged a meeting at 11:00am. I had written a formal and straightforward letter of resignation effective immediately, requesting that the notice period be waived. I also intended on simply telling her that Tatiana and I had very different views on the concept of teamwork and that it just wasn't working out. I was prepared to go into more detail if Brenda seemed receptive. She has always been very understanding and far more present than that Betty scumbag ever was. Still, it was with trepidation that I presented her with my reasons for resigning.

Well...before I could even provide her with details, she let me know that some of the other teachers had expressed concern as to how both myself and Vanessa had been treated by Tatiana. She stated that she felt that Tatiana is very set in her ways and that she's been under a lot of stress. I said, "Working with children is very demanding, however there's no reason to be this stressed out. It just isn't right."

I told her how I felt that from day one, I was spoken to in a very condescending manner, reprimanded (in front of the children) for not doing things Tatiana's way and constantly given unsolicited advice on how to discipline children regardless of the fact that I have a degree in Child Studies and roughly three years more experience with this age group than Tatiana.

I also expressed how I felt that I was constantly being given mixed signals and that there was a gross lack of communication. I explained that many decisions regarding curriculum and classroom management were decided by Tatiana without discussing or even mentioning anything to myself or Vanessa. I reminded Brenda that I had worked with over a dozen different co-educators at the Community Centre and that I had never experienced such a complete lack of communication, not to mention respect. Needless to say, I have never included my two-month stint at Garderie Betty on my resumé.

I cited a couple of examples of Tatiana's unreasonable behaviour and suggested talking with Vanessa as well. I told her that both Vanessa and myself are talented educators with a lot to offer these children, but we haven't been permitted to adequately display this due to Tatiana's behaviour. "She just takes control," I told Brenda. I was careful to mention a couple of positive things about Tatiana. Believe me, that was a difficult task.

Brenda seems to think that Tatiana has difficulty accepting new educators because she was so attached to Sylvie (the educator I replaced). Tatiana started at Playskool as an intern and was basically trained by Sylvie. I can't figure out what she learnt from her, because apparently Sylvie was a good teacher. I met her once and she seemed very warm.

Currently, Brenda has placed Rebecca (who formerly worked with the three-year-olds) in the class. She thinks that Tatiana will react well to this internal transfer. I don't think that Brenda fully grasps just how harmful Tatiana is to the children, regardless of how good an intern she may have once been. It's obvious that although she seemed to have done a decent job when Sylvie was there, she is now completely out of control. I am hoping that Vanessa will speak up and provide Brenda with more details. She has been there longer than me and if we both speak up, it should have more of an impact.

In regards to my feelings and my resignation, essentially, Brenda was very understanding and apologetic. She expressed deep regret in losing me. She told me that the other educators want me to stay. In fact, she has offered me a job in the three-year-olds classroom. She said that she understands that I have a "bad taste in my mouth" and that I may not be comfortable in coming back. I told her that I would think about it.

Of course, I also have the English teaching job to consider. I've told both Brenda and Nadia that I would get back them before the week is up. So now I have to make a decision. Incidentally, the job at Telelangues is only part-time and the first contract (beginning 10th January) is a 1.5 hour bus ride away. I am considering a request to work part-time at Playskool, that way I could possibly take on both jobs.

I should mention that Brenda told me that I didn't have to commit straight away. She said that if I wanted to, I could give it a two-week trial. I think that I will be doing that. However, Nadia is going on holiday from 14th December to 6th January, so she needs an answer from me ASAP. I have to make up my mind by tomorrow! Aarrgh!

Gambarre masu!

Hisashiburi

Well...it's been a while. You'll notice that my regular posting stopped when I started working at Montreal Playskool. I haven't even been working there for a whole month and I will be giving my notice tomorrow. In all honesty, I'm scared shitless at the reaction I'll get. I know that I will be letting both the administration and the kids down. However, I must do this...both for my health and my emotional well-being.

Last week, I went in to work from Monday to Wednesday, regardless of the fact that I was feeling rather sick. On Wednesday, my psychotic co-educator Tatiana fully laced into me and after two and a half weeks of being subject to her condescension and eratic behaviour, it was the final straw. The next day, I awoke feeling completely run-down and congested, not to mention repulsed at the thought of having to deal with Tatiana, so I decided to call in sick.

I got a call from Brenda, the daycare director who implored me to come in the following day for parent/teacher interviews. I told her that I would be there. I went to bed early, around 10:00pm, but at 5:00am, I was still completely awake due to a throbbing headache and earache and a sick feeling of what the day would be like meeting with the parents alongside my unsupportive co-teacher. I left a message on the daycare's answering service, saying that I'd be dropping off the 12 out of 24 report cards I was responsible for (each of which was a ridiculous 5 pages long) but that I wouldn't be able to come in to work.

After dropping off the report cards, I went to the clinic. I was diagnosed with a severe sinus and ear infection and given a prescription for antibiotics and a steroid nasal spray. I spent the weekend resting and of course, come Sunday night, I was tossing and turning all night once again. Still, I woke up, got ready for work and as I was about to leave, I suddenly felt very nauseous. I ran to the toilet and threw-up my entire breakfast. Once more, I called in sick.

This afternoon, I got a call from Nadia at Telelangues International, the language school that had offered me a part-time job just days before my interview at Montreal Playskool. It seems that they have an opening beginning 10th January and can offer me 15 hours a week to start. I was asked to go in for training next week. So, I will give my notice tomorrow, letting Brenda know that I am willing to complete this week. This means that I will be unemployed for a few weeks, which will be a financial strain, but as I've said, my health and emotional well-being are most important.

I have decided that I will never work at a daycare centre again! I had a similar experience at another daycare centre a few years ago. I worked there for two months, with an equally psychotic co-teacher and constant bouts of illness. Daycare is definitely not for me! It's not like teaching 2-3 hour preschool programs, which I did successfully for four years at the John A. Simms Community Centre. In my opinion, it's unnatural for children aged 1-5 to spend 11 hours a day at "school" and the profession seems to attract crazy people, not to mention these places are a breeding ground for all kinds of illnesses. This experience simply strengthens my views on Daycare Centres. If I ever have children of my own, they will never set foot in one!

So...that's all I have to say for now. Wish me luck in both resigning and completing this week, which will be hell on earth, I'm sure. Mata ne!

Blustery Day

There was an intense storm in Montreal this evening, with strong winds and heavy rain that reminded me of the ol' typhoons back in Nakatsu! This storm was the result of the devastating tornado that ripped through Kentucky and Indiana early Sunday morning killing 22 people and injuring 200. Mother nature continues to freak me out!

Once again, I was busy uploading piccies to smugmug today. I managed to upload another 100 or so pics, including all of the most recent ones from Japan and yes...Christmas 2004! It's about time desho? I've still got over 150 pics to add to existing albums. I'll try to finish that tomorrow. After that, I'll start with the Egypt photos (over 300) and of course the ones I've taken since I've been back in Montreal. Then...I'll have to continue working on all the descriptions and captions as well. Hopefully, I'll be able to get everything done before I start working full-time, either this week or the following. It isn't easy when you're working on a computer that crashes, on average, five times a day...taihen desu ne!

BTW, don't be shy about leaving comments on this blog or on smugmug...or both! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I know that Candice, Laverne and Isa have been keeping up with all of my hard work, but...anybody else? I know that I've been neglecting my e-mail since I started this project and I apologise for that. I will catch up soon, I promise! I also realise that those of you with keitai e-mail are unable to see any of this, so here's a message for those of you fortunate enough to have internet access...please tell them (the keitai users) what they're missing! Arigatou!

More smugmug updates...

Well, I've been busy again today! I've uploaded over 100 new photos to smugmug. Actually, some are new and some are old, since I'm updating all of my galleries. I hadn't realised just how much I'd been slacking. I actually still haven't uploaded my piccies from Christmas 2004, not to mention all of the missing pics from loads of existing galleries! Gomen nasai. Pretty pathetic, I know. That's why I'm starting from scratch and revising all the old galleries as well as creating new ones. So, keep checking back for updates onegaishimasu...

Oh yeah, and Laverne will be glad to know that I've added more captions, and yes, the Family category has been completely updated so you can now tell who's who. My, those kids have grown, haven't they? And...Isabelle will be pleased that I've put more piccies of myself up on smugmug...you're right, I'm usually behind the camera! I can always count on you two to pay attention to everything that I put online. Thanks!

Oh yeah, and Angie-dahhhling will be proud to know that I've been catching up on The OC! I'm well into season 3 and soon will have to start watching it when it's televised just like everybody else...rather than watching it on videotape!

Oyasumi nasai!

BTW...anyone hear from Atsushi yet? Chotto shinpai yo!

Natsukashii!

Izogashii! I've been very busy updating my online photo galleries at smugmug for the past two days. Omoshiroii ga taihen desu! It's not easy working on this s-l-o-w computer of mine. Kono pasukon wa totemo furui desu! Unfortunately, I'm in a bit of a catch-22 situation. I'm trying to get this done now, whilst unemployed, because I have time. However, I can't hook up my newly-repaired, speedy laptop to the internet because I can't really afford the router that I need to do so. Ah...dilemnas.

Soon, my financial problems should be rectified. All of the job hunting I've been doing has finally paid off. I have actually been offered two jobs! Sugoi ne? Firstly, I was offered a teaching position, teaching French-Canadian business people the art of the English language. It pays well...$16/hour for new teachers. However, they can only give me a few hours a week until the new session starts in January. I have also been offered a full-time position as a pre-kindergarten educator. I will be going in for a trial-run on Tuesday, 8th November. I will post my decision next week...so please stay tuned! Of course, once I start working, I won't have as much time to work on this blog or my galleries. Ah...dilemnas.

So, let me tell you all what I've been able to accomplish. First of all, if you scroll down a bit and look to the left, you'll see the smugmug button in the navigation bar. That's where you should click if you want to visit my photo galleries. Now, I've still got loads of work ahead of me, but what I've managed to do so far is...

Create three new categories:

• Holidays
• Weddings
• Celebrations

Create two new subcategories:

• Candice's Family
• Japanese Weather

Create a bunch of new galleries within the Travel category:

• A Day with the Tad
• Aso
• Fukuoka
• Nagasaki
• Oita
• Osada Park
• Osaka
• Sanko Village

Create new galleries (or modify existing ones in Family, Friends and Weddings categories):

• California Dreamin'
• The Fosters
• The Phillips
• Mark & Yumi

Update many existing galleries including:

• Barbeques
• Garden Bar
• Western Night
• The Adventures of Kristen

On a final note...I've written captions for most of the existing pics as well as for many of the new pics, although I'm not quite finished yet. I've also written descriptions for a good number of my galleries...new and old alike. Phew!

I've still got plenty more piccies to upload (including Egypt, of course) so please be patient! In the meantime...in addition to all the above-mentioned new stuff, here are some piccies of my last few days in Nakatsu. I'm trying desperately to do this in chronological order, so that's why I'm focusing on organising and updating the older galleries first. I wanted to share these with you because I'm feeling very natsukashii and sabishii yo!!!!


Group Shot at Mark's Birthday Party

Geoff & Pads at Marky's Birthday Party

Kazue, Mayumi, Miyuki, Mike & I at Miyuki's family sushi restaurant

Kumi-chan, Mike & Miyuki at my Sayonara Party at Tropicoco

Moyai, Shinobs, Lyndsay & Mike at my Sayonara Party

Mu-Chan and her sister with Mike & I at my Sayonara Party

Hide & Atsushi in the lobby at Queen's Echo Karaoke

Atsushi, Mark & Geoff at karaoke

Mark & Angie at karaoke

Pads & I at karaoke...Angie, Geoff & Mark in background

Well, that's all for the preview! Those of you who are waiting for actual prints of any of my photos...shinbou onegaishimasu...I'm currently financially challenged, but I will get it done...eventually...I promise!

In other news...I went to the dentist yesterday and...no cavities! Yay me!

I've just started...finally...reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and I must say...I'm simply riveted! I'm trying to savour it as slowly as possible. I'm also very excited for the upcoming film-version of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire being released in North America on November 18th!

I guess that's all for now. It's almost 3:00am, so I best be off to bed...

Mata ne!