Crazy? Hey, that's how it goes...

Ok, I don't want any shoes thrown at me but I find myself kinda bored lately ("Honestly! Who throws shoes?"). I know you're thinking "Liz, how can this be? You're in JAPAN for the love of all that's Holy!" but alas, it is true. I think it all started with me spending 7 whole days unpacking our stuff...very necessary, of course, but not exactly thrilling. Then I realized I felt kinda "now what?" whenever I was done, but trust me, I'm not wishing I had 4 or 5 more crates of household crud to organize or anything. I have plenty of book reading time but I figured something must be wrong with me when I realized I was actually BORED during Fifty Shades Darker. I mean, that must mean something, right?! By the by, I do actually welcome feedback...I mean, I'm ok with asking questions into the great void of the internets, but I would appreciate any anecdotal stories of "oh, gosh I've been there before" right about now. I mean, I am worried about money but at the same time I am enjoying having nothing much to do. I am a huge worrier, so I actually (please, don't laugh too loud) find myself not enjoying my free time because I know it won't last. I mean, how freaking absolutely nuts is that, I ask you? Rhetorically, of course. I have also noticed I have officially begun missing my family and friends like crazy...I talked to my sister earlier and I pretty much jabbered incessantly for about 50 minutes before realizing I might possibly be a tad lonely. Who knew? I have been teaching English and I really, truly enjoy it, but right now I am only able to teach 1 class a week so it hasn't kept me too busy. I am hoping to teach more classes soon (if possible) and hopefully get a part time job...that should help eliminate the boredom issue. So I'm trying to tell myself to enjoy it while it lasts...no, seriously, Liz...enjoy it!
Anywho, the kids arrived last Thursday and we have been having lots of fun (and they are helping with the loneliness). I just posted some pics of our trip this past weekend on FB for your enjoyment! It was a really, really, REALLY long bus ride but the kids enjoyed it once we got there (and I really liked the cherry picking) so it was worth it. We had a camera mishap, which only makes me really sad because the scenery on the way was worth the entire trip. Gorgeous mountains, slightly misty, little adorable towns nestled in the hillside....pretty much a freakin' postcard around every turn. It was amazing and I was very sad to have not been able to capture it...but it just means we'll have to make the drive again soon with the camera. (Have you noticed how I've discovered the italics button?!)

Our plan for the next 6 weeks roughly includes: plenty of trips to the 100 Yen Store, a trip to Hello Kitty Land (O-M-G Cute Overload!!!), a couple of trips to downtown Tokyo, a Tokyo shrine tour (which J and I haven't done yet), a trip to the shrine in Ome, possibly camping/horseback riding/paintball at the base recreation area, and a bit of hiking. Adding in at least one trip for sushi and I think you have all of our savings spent in 6 weeks...but hey, memories are priceless, right? ;)

OH I almost forgot! This awesome base we are priviliged to be stationed at has given me yet another opportunity...a free Japanese cooking class! They rotate the recipe every 3 months...this time it was gyoza and I had a blast learning to make it! It was a very small class (7 of us) and 2 wonderful Japanese ladies as instructors...and one of them said that in the 5 years she's been teaching the Gyoza course that our class had the best looking gyozas! If you've ever made them, you'll know that they aren't incredibly difficult, but the first few times you try to make the little folds on the wrapper it is a bit tricky. Anyway, next month starts the Japanese Curry rotation so I can't wait to learn! And, in the spirit of learning, yesterday was class 1 of 6 of "Survival Japanese," which is a free conversational Japanese course offered by the base as well! So, a little cultural emersion will hopefully keep the boredom at bay! Stay tuned and thanks for reading! :)