2009-05-06T17:32:24+09:00 mayaregina A quick update on my life for family and friends :) Excite Blog http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/10888528/ 2009-05-06T17:32:24+09:00 2009-05-06T17:32:24+09:00 2009-05-06T17:32:24+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
It was Taro's first time, and my second (I went a few years back with Yoko and Hiroe.) This time was quite different from the last though, as Taro and I decided to rent a motorcycle and bike around the island.


It was incredibly fun! We arrived on Fri eve, and just went out for a nice dinner of Okinawan food (delicious). Sat morning, we headed to the shop to pickup the motorcycle. We hpped on and headed for our pension up north (along the beach) and of course stopping to eat along the way....at A&W! They don't have these on the main island, so I was ecstatic to eat curly fries and drink rootbeer


Our hotel was right along the beautiful beach. We headed straight for the ocean once we arrived. I forgot how great it is to spend the days in a swimsuit and flip flops. I certainly don't get to spend my summers like that in Tokyo and it was definately a welcome change. However, since we rode the motorcycle with our flipflops on, we both got awesome flip flop tans on our feet...

We spent the entire vacation with days at the beach or on the motorcycle, and nights at Okinawan restaurants. While biking, we'd stop at random places for ice cream and treats. This is in the middle of no-where, but we found some delicious ice cream at the grocery store


One evening, we went to a famous pizza restaurant. The pizza wasn't that great...but the view was spectacular!

It was about an hour wait, but since we could sit outside and enjoy the view while we waited it was no hassle at all. The incredible part of this restaurant, is they have a huge variety of drinks (guava juice, mango juice, etc.) but the only food on the menu is salad and pizza (small or large). Nope. no variety of pizza either. Thank goodness it wasn't mushroom pizza, or I would've been quite bummed.

Anyway, the trip was absolutely incredible. Since I hadn't gone on vaca in a long while, I was reminded of how fun traveling is. Now....where do I go next. Perhaps, Seoul?

Oh, and this is what we looked like during the vaca ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/10622363/ 2009-03-30T21:18:56+09:00 2009-03-30T21:18:56+09:00 2009-03-30T21:18:56+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
Anyway, thanks to facebook, I had a great reunion with a good friend from HS this past week. My friend Rishi came to Tokyo with his mom, so I got to meet up with him. We hadn't seen eachother since graduation, so it was really fun getting to spend time with him!

I took him to a regular izakaya (jpn restuarant/bar) and he absolutely loved it!

Another great thing about having friends visit from overseas (esp those who have never been to Japan before) is the fact that they remind me of the things that I love about Japan. Rishi said to me several times "You know Maya, this is a really cool city (country) I completely understand why you want to live here."
No matter where you live, (even if you choose to live there) the grass can look greener on the otherside. But how great to be reminded of how lucky you are!

Now...who's going to come next to remind me of how fabulous Tokyo is? ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/10565161/ 2009-03-22T20:41:01+09:00 2009-03-22T20:41:01+09:00 2009-03-22T20:41:01+09:00 mayaregina 未分類 I'll update on the most recent holidays. Valentine's Day and White Day!

For valentine's day this year, I was planning on taking Taro to an Indian restaurant, but he got sick. So I made cream soup (stew) and we ate at his house instead. The day before, Erika and I got together to make chocolate mousse. All of the stores here sell chocolate mixes so that you can make various chocolate items without much effort. We chose the chocolate mousse cause it was easy, and they included cute heart shaped containers.

It was fun making the chocolates with Erika too. One of the bonuses of having a roommate, for sure!

On white day, Taro and I went to a French restaurant. The place was delicious! but since neither of us are used to eating so much butter, we both felt ill afterwards...haha
Check out the humongous raw oysters!


I've finally gotten used to the fact that valentine's day is for girl's to plan. But the good thing is that there's White Day. Where we don't have to do anything at all :-)

In other news, life here is good. I've slowly but surely gotten used to city life. Sometime's it's still a bit overwhelming. The other day, I realized that unelss I make an effort, I can live weeks or maybe even months without any contact with nature. Scary thought, considering I grew up in Hokkaido and Minnesota.

Living in one of the biggest cities in the world, though, there are several perks. Taro and I went to go see "ZED" (click the ZED word for the link) a performance by Cirque De Sole (sp?) for his birthday. It was fantastic! and now we're thinking about going to go see CORTEO. another performance by the same Circus group that's in Tokyo until beginning of May.
Opportunities are endless in this city! Any and all visitors are welcome!! ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/10139668/ 2009-01-04T16:27:04+09:00 2009-01-04T16:27:04+09:00 2009-01-04T16:27:04+09:00 mayaregina 未分類 and it's been an extremely relaxing vaca so far.

Firstly, Christmas was fabulous. I celebrated several times!! As many of you are probably aware after reading my blog, Christmas is not an official holiday here so I've gotten quite used to going into work both Christmas even and Christmas day. Unfortunately this year, Taro would have to work late Christmas (eve and day) so we decided to celebrate the weekend before by going to....China town!

It was a lot of fun, but I couldn't help but have the final scene in the movie "A Christmas Story" running through my head. When they end up at a Chinese restaurant for Christmas dinner and the staff sings "Farararara!" to them.

The second celebration was on the 23rd. December 23rd is a holiday here because it's the emperor's bday. (Yay emperor for being born right near Christmas!) This year, Erika and I decided to have Taro and Josh over for Christmas dinner. We all made chicken legs, mashed potatos, and corn. It was delicious!

↑The hostesses with the mostest!
My good friend Hiroe from Sendai (she now lives in Osaka, but anyway) and her boyfriend happened to be staying at a hotel right near our house too so they came over for dinner. When I came back to the house after picking them up from the station, I was overwhelmed with the delicious smell of food and the warmth of the house. It is definately the first Christmas here where I actually felt like I celebrated it!


Oh, and let's not forget the fact that we had AWESOME Christmas Cake!

Erika and I made it, pretty impressive, eh?

The following day (Christmas Eve), I went to church after work with Hiroe and her boyfriend. Then the three of us went out for Korean food. (My church is located in a complete Korean community, so I smell Kimchi on my way to church every Sunday!) I forgot to take pics there, but...

Christmas Day, Taro ended up getting done with work earlier than expected so we went out to an Izakaya (Japanese food) for dinner.

*The above pic is a really stupid pic, but it was the only pic that showed the Japanese-y feel.

So....to sum everything up, this year I celebrated Christmas 4 times! First: with Chinese food, Second with home-cooked "American" food, Third, with Korean food, and finally with Japanese.
Considering the fact that Christmas isn't exactly a "holiday" here, I think I did a good job of celebrating, don't you think? ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9977806/ 2008-12-03T23:27:39+09:00 2008-12-03T23:27:39+09:00 2008-12-03T23:27:39+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
What did we find? A tree!!! Granted it's small, but it was only 500yen (5 bucks) woohoo!

I'm in charge of the work Christmas party this year with a couple other first year workers. It's a bit of work, but we're getting together at my place on Friday to go over the games together and practice and make sure they work alright

As many of you are probably aware by now, Japan celebrates Christmas in a very different way from how we do back "home" in the states. Firstly, it's all about couples. Secondly, it's all about Santa. (well, not all about Santa, but Jesus certainly doesn't come into the pciture! though I suppose that can be said true of many people in the states as well)
The strange thing is though, you'll often hear religious songs in restaurants and out on the streets, like "Away in a Manger" or other obviously religious songs. I suppose it's becuase most people even if they understand English don't pay attention to the meaning.

Anyway, to make this long blog entry short (somewhat), I'm doing my best to bring Christmas cheer in my life.
I started with decorations and inputting Christmas songs onto my ipod today On Sunday, Taro and I are going to see a Christmas concert at Tokyo Baptist Church. It's apparently a huge concert, and this year it's held at a unjiversity. I am not really sure what to expect, but I'm excited for Christmas music! ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9926594/ 2008-11-24T18:49:33+09:00 2008-11-24T18:49:33+09:00 2008-11-24T18:49:33+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
Anyways, in other news, I'm slowly but surely getting used to the fact that I live in one of the biggest cities in the world. The famous crowded trains of Tokyo are a bit stressful to deal with on a daily basis, but thankfully I live so close to work that I only have to ride the rain for 13 minutes Though I'm seriously considering buying a bicycle to take to work, but I'm scared of the traffic. Regulations officially require bicycles to travel on the roads (not sidewalks) and the traffic here can be pretty crazy!

My weekends often consist of walks to various parts of Tokyo and shopping. Living in Sendai I did a lot of traveling by car (esp with Taro) but here it's all walking and trains! Of course, that's natural when you live in a big city. But on weekends, I try to walk more than I take the train. It's awesome living somewhere that's not so cold yet either

Today is a Monday, but we have the day off for "Labor and Thanksgiving Day." Well, the celebration was actually yesterday (Sunday) but we get today off in lieu. It was a much needed vacation, and I spent quite a bit of time going out with friends. Last night was Josh's birthday party, and with Alan back in town it really felt like we're back in study abroad days Today has been a relaxing day with Taro, and now I gotta go eat curried rice! And hopefully, I'll be better at updating my blog in the future!
]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9648527/ 2008-10-08T12:53:55+09:00 2008-10-08T12:53:55+09:00 2008-10-08T12:53:55+09:00 mayaregina 未分類 1) I am loving life
2) I am loving my job
3) I am loving Tokyo
4) I am loving my apartment
5) I am loving Obama

I've had several friends and family email me to be sure I vote.

I just mailed it in. so if Obama doesn't win (oh my gosh, I think my heart just stopped at the thought) you all know it wasnt my fault!

I'm not sure I should be publishing who I voted for on my blog but...well, this election is possibly the only election where I have no reserves whatsoever as to who to vote for. As in, no, I never thought Bush would be a good president, but was I completely certain about Kerry? I'm not sure. Now Obama? no doubts whatsoever.

Part of it could be my Aunt who is over 60 and now insanely interested in and somewhat crazy about the election. (sorry AB for saying your age!) but as my mother said, it's admirous to be able to get so involved at (dare I say it) such an age.

Mostly though, it's the fact that I'm fed up with the state that America is in.

Anyway, what's a post from me without somehow tying it into what's going on in my life here in Japan?
I'm not sure how many of you are aware, but in September, Prime Minister Fukuda resigned. This resignation was less than a year from Prime Minister Abe's resignation.
Abe's resignation reason: health problems
Fukuda's resignation reason: ....uh.... good question.

I am still very unsure as to why the heck 2 prime ministers would resign within a year. I mean, it's not like either of them did something insanely corruptious that other PMs hadn't done. Neither had gone to the point Clinton had when he had his...shall we say... "incident". (which was such a big deal at the time.)

So, we have a future leader in America (finally).
I just wish that Japan would find one that we can all put our hopes in too. When I spoke of this with Taro, he had an interesting comment "Japan's education system doesn't make leaders. Fukuda just didn't want to be a leader from the start."
This comment is interesting and very true. As many of you may know, Japanese are taught to work as a community, don't make disruptions. Therefore, it's the oddballs in Jpn community who end up making good leaders, and successful leaders. Koizumi is a prime example. (former PM) he is definately an oddball. He may not have changed Japan in any extraordinary way, but he lead Japan for a considerable amount of time. (8 years?...i cant remember)


Lastly, as much as I have faith and hope in Obama as a leader, I fear for what will happen once he becomes president.
The amount of hope and faith people have put in him is astounding. The expectations are incredible. Fact is, he's not going to be able to live up to all of these expectations. No human could live up to all of the expectations. So, what's going to happen when he disappoints the supporters?

]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9523889/ 2008-09-18T21:41:25+09:00 2008-09-18T21:41:25+09:00 2008-09-18T21:41:25+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
last wknd was a long one bc of ゛respect for da aged day"gotta love the random holidays!

my friend and former dancer Miyu and my bible study mate Xiao came down to visit.they didnt know eachothr til here but now they certainly do!

we went to clubs to see dance shows, shopping, girl talk, shopping, dance shows and more shopping!
it was a great weekend!
]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9311240/ 2008-08-17T18:58:07+09:00 2008-08-17T18:58:07+09:00 2008-08-17T18:58:07+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
I have been at my new job for 2 weeks, and I couldn't be happier !! Every one of my coworkers is unbelievably friendly. I've been fortunate to become friends with one of my coworkers, and we went and saw the preview of Sex and the City last night. (I know, it's long over in the states....but it's still previews here!)
Most of them are Japanese, and have lived abroad for a while. (everyone is bilingual -- or more -- ) So the stories that they have about living abroad is really interesting. I look forward to getting to know more of them so that I can hear all the interesting stories!

I'm continually learning new things every day, and even tho some of the work is somewhat similar to what I did in Sendai (answering foreigner's questions in Japan), the clientel is completely different. So, the questions are often different, and it's a lot harder to answer about a location that is humongous and I don't know much about. (re: Tokyo)
My supervisors say that it usually takes an entire year to really learn everything you need to know, and I am having fun thus far learning, so I hope it cotinues for the rest of the year!

Yay for new exciting things! As my cousin Emily said, "change is good. hard, but good."

So here's to exciting and new change! ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9196503/ 2008-08-01T09:04:52+09:00 2008-08-01T09:04:52+09:00 2008-08-01T09:04:52+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
Anyway, we met up to go to Odaiba, and our original plan was to play Odaiba Boken-ou (Odaiba Exploration King), but once we got there, and ate lunch at the buffet (delicious!) we ended up just going shopping all day long.

It was a great way to relieve the stress that moving brings, and it was so fun getting to know Miyu! The sales were a bit crazy, and while shopping all day long, we even ended up getting maching shoes!

And what did we do after shopping? None other than.... Cinnabon! I felt like I was back in Edina at high school! How fun!!
The view from Odaiba was beautiful at night. Since it's right along the ocean, there were tons of boats lining the bay, and the lights on the boats were beautiful.


Anyway, the move has been going great. I've gotta get home now to work on putting together my new bookcase so that I can finally get everything put away.
As the rapper Pitbull says.... Go Girl, Go Girl!

Oh, and Erika moves in today. Yay! I'm so excited!! ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9172738/ 2008-07-29T09:16:34+09:00 2008-07-29T09:16:34+09:00 2008-07-29T09:16:34+09:00 mayaregina 未分類

This is my fourth day here, and my apartment is definately not settled...I've been too busy going shopping adn meeting up with people to get anything done! Yesterday I went shopping with Erika and we bought a couch and a bed. (well, the bed is only for me, obviously) And today I plan to go to the bank, etc. and finally get things put away in my room.

My apartment is in a very convenient location, about a 20 min walk from Shinjuku (and only 5 min from the nearest subway station). So it's right in the middle of the city, but it's tucked away in a sort of old neighborhood. I love the way that Japan often has this "old meets new" vibe. The neighborhood that I'll be living in has old shops allinging the streets, with grandmas selling vegetables and grandpas running small restaurants, and even a bath house.

But, you look off into the distance from our apartment, and you can see the Tokyo Metropolitan Government nearby.

I've been wandering around my apartment area for a few days now, and I'm getting to like the feel more and more. There are always people walking around, so I feel quite safe, yet it's very quiet so I can get good solid sleep at night

I don't have internet at my aparmtnet yet (and wont' for another month or so) so I'm updating this from Taro's. Please understand if I dont get back to emails right away.
Things here are wonderful thus far tho, and I hope that things in MN, Sendai, and everywhere else that all of you live is wonderful as well! ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9143068/ 2008-07-25T13:00:04+09:00 2008-07-25T13:08:41+09:00 2008-07-25T13:00:04+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
I've had goodbye parties every day for the past 2 weeks. And while I was talking to my mom on the phone the other day, I realized how different the goodbye experience is here from the states.

Everyone from coworkers, to church members, to acquaintances (seriously) to friends have been throwing parties in my honor. Now, you might all think that this has to do with how awesome I am, and this is just a measure of my popularity level. And though I hate to turn down the idea that people throw parties because I'm so cool, it's really a part of Japanese culture.

One of the things that I love (and sometimes not-so-love) about this culture is the ceremonial way that they send someone off. For example, when someone is over at your house, and they leave, you don't just say "bye!" you walk them to the door, and sometimes even walk them to the station or wait in the driveway until they drive away.
When you see someone off at the train station, you often wait until they are out of sight to go back to your house. The person who is leaving might turn around a few times to wave as well. I forgot that this isn't a part of American culture, and a few years ago, I sat and watched as an American friend headed toward the bullet train. I literally watched for 10 minutes while she got her stuff and headed up to the platform, but she didn't turn around even once! Oh, cultural differences!

Anyway, yesterday was my last day of work. I worked the morning at the international center, saying my goodbye speech to them all before I headed off to lunch. Then walked to city hall, to say my goodbye to them all as well at 5pm. My coworkers at city hall even came all the way down to the entrance and saw me off until I was out of sight.
Talk about an emotional day!! But that was still not the end.

Last night was my final goodbye party. With some of my bestest friends in Sendai. It was the SIRA (international center) and Nori-chan crew. It was unbelievably fun, and I am soooooo happy that I made such wonderful friends through my work. I think its pretty rare to become this close with the people you work with, and I find myself very lucky.
I made individual cards for each of the 7 of them, and they were all really surprised. One guy was so surprised and happy when he found out I wrote something different on each of their cards
Oh! And the restaurant/bar we went to had a palm reader as part of its service, and we each had our palms read. The guy told me: "You're better off living/working in the country where you were born." Now I know, it's just palm reading, and I dont really believe in all the hoopla. But since I'm moving to Tokyo, I felt reassured

I can't say enough how surreal this is. It still hasn't hit me that I wont be here anymore. Obviously I've moved several times in my life, but it never gets any easier. Though I've been focusing on Tokyo, and not so much the "leaving" part, these parties have made me think about the leaving part, and its not fun

Since my camera cord is packed away, here's a pic from the ALT leavers party.

Speaking of focusing on Tokyo, I got an apartment! Woohoo!!!!
I'll be living with my friend Erika (her name looks English, but she's Japanese) near Shinjuku. For those of you who know Tokyo, its really close to the governmental building (Tocho) where you can go on top for free to get a view of Tokyo city. The apartment is also a decent size, with 2 bedrooms and a kitchen/dining, so if you're in the area, hit me up

The movers are coming in a few hours (hopefully soon) and I leave tomorrow morning on the bullet train for Tokyo. I fear what awaits me at the goodbye as well, as I know several people are coming to say goodbye. I sit here now, with boxes surrounding me, and my computer box open and waiting for me to put my laptop away. So I suppose I better sign off. (especially since this got so long)

So thank you Sendai, for how awesome you are. I've the BEST four years I could imagine. I'm really gonna miss you, but I look forward to seeing all the people of Sendai Soooon!
Sayonara for now! Next time, I'll be updating from Tokyo ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9079296/ 2008-07-17T17:06:44+09:00 2008-07-17T17:06:44+09:00 2008-07-17T17:06:44+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
I had the ALT leavers party last Friday, which was great fun. I have been trying not to think about the "leaving" bit so much as the "going" bit. (i.e. concentrating on Tokyo and the new adventure that awaits, not the fact that I'm leaving my friends in Sendai.) This has been a very successful plan to stop myself from showing emotions. (aka crying)

Then, it all went to "crap" at my goodbye party with SIRA coworkers.
On Monday night, everyone I have ever worked with at SIRA came to the going away party. I was unbelieveably surprised and obviously very pleased to have so many people turn up for the party.

After we had a short greeting from SIRA's current director, and we all started eating, Sudo-san (my now manager) said everyone present would be required to give a greeting. The topic was one of three 1) The Maya that I know. 2) The Maya that I love. 3) other.

The first thought was "oh how nice!" and the second thought that crossed my mind was "uh-oh... we'll see how long I can keep my cool and composed posture."
As each of the 26 people present began to talk, the more and more my eyes began to well-up. Being reminded of my first days at work, as well as learning things my coworkers had thought about me (in a good way!).
Halfway thru the "speeches" Sudo-san asked me to give a greeting.

The second I stood up, I just ended up blubbering away, going on about "thank you" and "see you soon" or something like that. They all ended up laughing at one point when I took a deep breath and said the Japanese equivalent of "oh crap!" much more loudly than i had planned. (ha)
I did feel a bit better tho, when my good friend Takahira-chan cried during her speech as well. (where as Makie and Ayako pointed and laughed at me! great friends they are! haha)

Anyway, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I can't believe I'm leaving this job, and this work environment. I couldn't have asked for better or more understanding coworkers.
But, as Nori-chan says, this just gives my work-friends an excuse to come to Tokyo! So, I'll wait for them there!!

(note my red eyes...very cool)

Yesterday I had my "last lunch" with Aki. (sounds like the last supper. but neither of us are going to h-e-double hockey sticks) It was great to catch up with her. I have been incredibly lucky to have "found" her this year. After I lost all my good gaijin (foreigner) friends (namely Yoko) last year, I was sooo happy to find a connection in Aki. We've grown extremely close in the past year, and I know that we'll stay close in future years.
Especially since she'll probably be living somewhere super cool, and I'll have to visit her!

And Last night my "host" family (the zoo-keeper family) took me out for a delicious Chinese meal. We've gone there several times (in fact, it's one of the only places we go out to eat together) since their eldest Midori worked there for several years, and they (and me too) have become good friends with the owners.
It was really great to spend another evening with them, and I'm really going to miss them and the wonderful support system that they have been. But they assured me that I'll have a place to stay when I come back to Sendai to visit. (as has Nori-chan. yoroshiku! Cause I'ma be staying with you whenever I visit!!!)
The "father" (Takechi-san) gave me a beautiful kokeshi doll as a going away gift. I was overwhelmed. It was absolutely beautiful, and I was sooo pleased to get it. Unfortunately, I was way lame and didnt get a picture of us together. oh well, next time!!!!

Man, I'm gonna miss them ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/9025582/ 2008-07-11T18:01:34+09:00 2008-07-11T18:01:34+09:00 2008-07-11T18:01:34+09:00 mayaregina 未分類
Woohoo!!!

It's for a "relocation agency" which means, they work to help expats when they move to Japan. I got the idea that the difficult part about working for this sort of company is that I have to not only keep the "user" (or expat) satisfied, but the company that hires us satisfied.

I think it should be interesting. Meeting lots of people from all over the world, while hopefully feeling somewhat useful and helpful to those whom I meet.

I absolutely loved the president of the company, and both interviews I had with her were a real treat. So I'm really looking forward to working for her. Here's hoping that working for her is just as fun as the interview process was!

In other news, my good friend Lisa got me on a blog!
CLICK HERE
apparently it's some famous gossip blog??

I don't know what it is about the smart women in my life all being obsessed with celebrity gossip (Lisa, Yoko, and Emma, for one). Maybe if I get obsessed with celebrety gossip I'll get smarter like those women? (ha)
I just realized I called my younger sister a "woman". Sigh Growing up is weird!

And just for kicks, here's a pic of Lisa, Traci, Miyuki, and me. From the last time we saw eachother. (when I was down in Tokyo a couple weeks ago for interviews.) ]]> http://mayaregina.exblog.jp/8985364/ 2008-07-07T10:43:22+09:00 2008-07-07T10:43:22+09:00 2008-07-07T10:43:22+09:00 mayaregina 未分類 So...last Tuesday, Nori-chan and I took Tuesday off to go on a "date". It was so much fun! She picked me up at 11, and after selling some old clothes at the used clothing store (tho I made nothing cause they wouldnt buy my sweaters ) we went for Soba. It was a beautiful day, and we ate sat there having a long lunch.
Then, we did a tiny bit of shopping and then headed toward a cafe for some coffee. (yum!) And after chatting for a few hours, we headed for Noric-han's house and went for baskin robbins. They were having a "buy 2 scoops, get a 3rd one free!" sale, so we had to get that as well!

Needless to say, after all that eating, I was so full I didnt even eat dinner. haha

It was a GREAT relaxing day with one of my best friends. It was a lot of fun, but I was also reminded of how much I'm going to miss her. But as I keep telling myself, I'll hopefully be an excuse for her to visit Tokyo more often, and she said I am guaranteed a place to sleep in her new apartment whenever I come back to Sendai. Yay! ]]>