Hi All

Sorry a little late posting...

So I am happy to report that I presented to our President last Friday- and it went really well- The first couple of minutes I was pretty shaky...In the Japanese culture the whole seating arrangements can be stressful (There is a formal protocol on where to sit)...he sat right in front of me so we were locked eye to eye....haha! But after a couple of minutes I settled in and did really well- I was prepared and knew my subject so that always makes things easier!

 So Saturday I was lazy a bum- I know I should have gone exploring but after my long week of preparing for my Friday meeting I was spent..So Netflix and napping it was!  Sunday I hung out with one of my co-workers and his family- He wanted his daughter to be able to practice English with me- She is 17 years old and goes to a private high school she travels 1.5 hours each way on a train- Can you imagine a child doing that in the U.S.?  She takes English at her school however, the instructor is Japanese..haha so they say she can’t learn it correctly “So insert me...” They treated me to a steak and some cheaper shopping letting me know the best places to get stuff.  It was a really fun day- We went to Korea town and when I tell you there are so many people here that is an understatement.  I mean there is people everywhere...sometimes it can be a tad bit overwhelming.  I also went to my first place in Japan that I was told not to go to by myself at night..I basically said I did not know places like that existed in Japan...So evidently it is an area run by the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) and they can be pretty scary and when they come into a place they just lift up their sleeve and flash their tattoos on their arms and people know they are from the Yakuza.  This is one reason that tattoos are taboo here because they are associated with gangs.  I told TC we do not need to go to this area..I do not want people thinking he is in some kind of gang. 

 

So Monday - I was invited to another drinking party...after work.  The drinking party started at 6pm and I walked into my apartment at 11:25pm..did I mention this was on a MONDAY...guess I am not cut out for this.  I only had a 30 minute commute home from the Chinese restaurant..some people had over 1.5 hours...These people are troopers I am telling you!  So I have decided when I come home I will either be an alcoholic or a rock star because I will be able to survive on less sleep during the week...haha (just joking mom don't worry).  But it was so much fun and everyone was so nice and welcoming there was 14 of us total from all different departments.  Also it was really cool- it was all you wanted to order off menu (alot of food was ordered and drinks and it was just 2,000 Yen= $20 USD so very very affordable and it was really good)!  This is very common in Japan- many co-workers go out after work.  Also mid-way through everyone starts changing seats and takes their drinks with them so they can chat with other people..

 Also during this party I was invited to the Office Running Club on Wednesdays- they run 5K around the Emperors Palace which is close to our office- So stay tuned..I hope I don't die running in this heat and humidity- they also mentioned something about paying 800 Yen to shower afterwards-not sure I caught everything..not sure about all this so could be interesting.  They were kinda of surprised I agreed to go and told me they very much appreciated me trying to join in to everything..but I told them I want to experience everything and these types of relationships are so very important in the Japanese culture

 Couple other notable points for the week:

 

Japanese Women and High Heels- they wear 2-4 inch stilletots..in the office, to the train, on the weekend to the market.  Not me over here- flats all the way!  I mean I do not understand how they can even feel their feet at the end of the day...

Japanese women are also very elegant and when they go out they always look so nice and very put together.  In the U.S. you will go to the market or run an errand in your gym clothes (or at least I do)..you just do not see that over here.  I mean let’s be honest I am sure it is a huge culture shock to them when they come to U.S. and visit the local Wal-Mart..I would love to be a fly on the wall when they describe this to their family and friends living in Japan.  Also they all get ready when leaving office - the bathroom is full of people reapplying makeup- they just have such pride in their appearance.  Also something to mention is both men and women brush their teeth after lunch..you see them all headed to bathroom with their tooth brushes..I can appreciate this-maybe something we should think about adopting in the U.S.

Train Shovers- So I have now fully experienced this..so they wear White Gloves (I guess that makes it more sophisticated) and they gently push people in so more can fit and the doors can close.  If people did this in the U.S. there would be fights all the time- But it just works here- people understand that is the way it is

 

TC arrived the end of this week- So I will be writing more in a couple of days to get everyone up to speed- He is napping right now before dinner (jet lag stinks).  Much love to you all-

I will leave you with this- Was listening to music this week and heard this song and made me miss you all that are reading this blog… Give it a listen on YouTube if you get time this week- It will make you smile

 How Long Will I Love You

Ellie Goulding

How long will I love you
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I can
How long will I need you
As long as the seasons need to
Follow their plan

How long will I be with you
As long as the sea is bound to
Wash up on the sand

How long will I want you
As long as you want me to
And longer by far
How long will I hold you
As long as your father told you
As long as you can

How long will I give to you
As long as I live through you
However long you say

How long will I love you
As long as stars are above you
And longer if I may

How long will I love you
As long as stars are above you

 

 

 Pics from our Monday Night Drinking Party- Delicious Chinese Food and All you can drink for 3 hrs.- 2,000 Yen..

Popular Drink- Most people get milk tea with tapioca balls- I got mango juice..delicious

Last weekend- Hanging out with co-worker and his family.  This is his daughter...we were practicing English.  People here amaze me at learning a second language and studying so hard- She had a list of American words she learns every week and they were tough words!

 

 

Hi Everyone- Hope you are all doing well!.  Happy to report I am getting more into the swing of things and doing okay.  So alot to report from last week- Hope you all enjoy my life and adventures

 

 

So I had a pretty busy social calendar last week

-I had lunch 2 different days with some girls in my office.  One of the lunches we went to a Japanese Restaurant and then the 2nd day with 2 ladies from another department...they took me to get a hamburger, French fries, and miso soup..haha- not going to lie it was pretty tasty

 

-I also got invited to come have lunch in the conference rooms with the other ladies when I bring my lunch..which I have yet to do yet- but might consider this week

-Went to dinner with a pretty cool lady from my office- She actually left our company went to work for a German Company and then came back..Which might be common in the US but it is NOT common in Japan.  But they love to practice their English- and it really is very good.  It just amazes me how well they can speak a second language...this is something we are lacking in the US.  We had some good Italian wine and had lots of great conversation (I am not a lover of Japanese Red Wine- Guess I have just not had the right one yet-It Japanese it is called aka wain- I learned that word early on!)

 

-During one of my lunches one day- I was eating with 2 ladies and neither one married (one had a boyfriend)The one with a boyfriend asked me- How do you get man to marry you...I was caught off guard with that question. I gave them a quick run down of how T.C. and I dated..then broke up for a long time..then got married.  They were shocked (so guessing this does not happen in Japan) they informed me I had a very "enchanted relationship. I took that as a good thing!

 

So now that I have been in the office for 2 weeks now- Everyone is kind of figuring out about me- One of the days when I went to lunch with the ladies..they started speaking in Japanese...and one finally said- Oh my gosh- I am so sorry we have been so informal we were not aware of your high level position and started bowing.  Talk about taking me off guard...I was like please stop doing that.

 

I also went to one of the factories this week- 1 1/2 hour train ride from Tokyo Station...for a meeting-

The meeting was mostly in Japanese- but with some English.  I could understand my name of course and heard then keep talking about me.  At lunch I asked one of the guys..what were you saying about me (he worked in the States with me) and he said he thought you were just a trainee and did not realize your high level because your age so I was having to explain to him that you were qualified for this position.  So that is something that is taking me a minute to get used to.  In  Japan your position depends on your age- So they are all very shocked of my position due to my age (and I am sure gender also).  But I am taking it in stride- It is just very different for them so I am trying to be very go with the flow and understanding.  Of course I have worked very hard in my career and I deserve this so I will not let anyone discount that- But I am trying to be understanding they have to get used to this.

 

I also forgot to tell you guys last week- Every morning the work bell rings at 8:50- everyone is in their seat working- Then each dept. has their morning pep talk- My group also does a cheer- I am not 100% sure what it is about since it is all in Japanese- But we have to do finger pointing and repeating after the leader-It has something to do with being a hard worker and making sure you stay healthy..

The work environment is different here- It is very structured...bells ring to start, for beginning and ending of lunch, and end of work day.  Also it is not uncommon for people to ride the train for over an hour to work because cost of living is so much more expensive in Tokyo.  Also on Friday's at the end of the work day- A Disney song comes over the loud speaker... 

 

Also- some very exciting news- I was chosen last week for my companies Discovery Program- So I will be going to a week long high level leadership program - not just automotive but all the different groups.  At the end we will give a presentation to the President of the whole company- So there is like 300 different divisions of my company and this guy is the President of all of them. I am kind freaking out...I hate presenting..and this guy is very famous to our company. So this is huge honor and I am very excited- I have already received my material and started studying this weekend- I must represent KY!!

 

This weekend I was out and about exploring-

Saturday- I left the city part of my town and walked to the more local neighborhoods- There I found some cheaper fruit- I have attached picture below- I got flowers, 1 peach, Strawberries, 2 lemons for $8.50- when I tell you that is a bargain trust me..in the city one peach can easily cost $5.00. 

Also- When I come home on Saturday afternoon finally my air freight boxes from the US had arrived- I had been living just out of my suitcase for 2 weeks- the rest of my life had finally arrived that contained what was needed for my next 6 months:))

 

Sunday- I went to go get a massage- Carrying bags/back-packs for long periods is different for me.  Well my appointment was at 11am- and usually in US you need to be there 10-15 minutes before..because that is your start time.  Well where I need to be there was a barricade- Well I walked around it and walked into the place- The ladies were very concerned...and started speaking in Japanese- and then a security guard came..Guess I should have not went around the barricade...needles to say I got the idea I needed to leave..without any English..haha. It is funny how verbal cues can get the point across.

 

I also decided to head to Tokyo Harbor on Sunday- It is only 0.8 miles from my apartment.  When I got there - There was a very cool local performance going on..it was amazing to see culture..they were all just so proud- And I could for sure spot the proud parents out of the crowd (Dance Moms all look alike no matter the country- However, they did not have a sparkly shirts- Haha Alison).  I have attached photos/videos!  Then I went to eat at TY Harbor- They have American Food..haha-I ordered Half Order Fried Chicken, Coleslaw, Buttermilk biscuits- the server was trying to communicate with me...I thought she was confused and thought I wanted a whole order vs. Half- So I kept saying 1/2 order please..Finally she accepted this.  So...30 minutes later they bring me a PLATTER of Fried Chicken like 6-7 pieces.(oh dear I now understand what she was trying to communicate).  I was sitting at the bar and my Platter of Chicken took up so much room- I mean they even brought tongs for my platter of chicken. I am sure they were all taking about me in the kitchen like this crazy American Lady has ordered enough food for 3!  I ate and I ate..and I was throwing in the towel but so upset that I had so much food left..and my server came over and said- BOX??  I was like YES PLEASE.  This was such a kind gesture...because to go boxes in Japan do not exist...but they had a take out restaurant so she went there and got me a box...Such kindness was so much appreciated

So I was all packed up- with my 4 pieces of chicken left headed home- thank goodness I had a 20 minute walk home- I was dying because I was trying to eat a whole platter of Fried Chicken..

 

So I am writing this on a Monday in Japan- Because we are on Holiday today!  It is called Umi no Hi- Also called Ocean/Marine Day- I am attaching a little bit about the day below

 

Also- had an issue without my air conditioner remote being lost- So they come and clean our rooms on Monday and Thursday- So on Thursday when I came home from work I could not find my remote- I tore my apartment apart- So I called to Front Desk- and they told me..please look in my room for my remote..haha.  I wanted to tell them..Guys I have not "man looked" (I tell TC this when he can not find something..I am like did you "man look" again).  So I had to go down and explain to them...somehow my remote disappeared maybe it was wrapped up in my bedding when they changed sheets...so that was a super fun conversation to try to have- but we navigated and I now have another remote- Air is working great

 

More next week all- Love to you all

K

 

 

Information on Ocean Day:

Japan’s Marine Day is a celebration of all that the ocean provides to Japan — food, jobs, protection and recreation.It probably shouldn’t be surprising that an island nation that is surrounded by the deep blue sea would honor the ocean and its many amazing creatures with a national holiday.　Marine Day is a relatively new holiday that is held every year on the third Monday in July. It was designated as a holiday in 1995 and was first officially observed in 1996. Marine Day was made a Monday holiday as part of Japan’s “Happy Monday System.” This system moved some of the country’s holidays around to Mondays to create more three-day weekends for its notoriously hard-working citizens.  Because Japan’s Marine Day is the first national holiday of the summer, its timing makes it a perfect day to head to the beach for a day of relaxation or swimming. Marine Day has also become associated with the first day of summer. Because Marine Day is a relatively new holiday, there are no real traditional ceremonies held in its honor. However, there are many special events held in honor of Marine Day throughout the country at venues such as aquariums.  For example, in Odaiba, Tokyo, volunteers light hundreds of beautiful paper lanterns and lay them out on the sand in colorful patterns and intricate shapes as part of the Paper Lantern Festival, which is held on Marine Day in Odaiba Marine Park. This is a very special festival that offers great opportunities for photographs. The colorful patterns look especially stunning with Tokyo’s famous Rainbow Bridge in the background.　

Originally known as Marine Memorial Day or Marine Commemoration Day, this holiday came into existence in 1941 and honored the day that Japan’s 122nd emperor, Meiji the Great, returned to the port of Yokohama in 1876 from a trip to Hokkaido. So, not surprisingly, this port plays host to a number of commemorative events, including an annual fireworks show.  Northern Okinawa also hosts a number of events in honor of Marine Day, including a large fishing competition.　Marine Day is also used as a time to bring awareness to the general health of the world’s oceans and Japan’s role in keeping the seas clean. In that vein, many seaside communities host beach cleanup days on this holiday.　Other communities, including Okinawa, celebrate Marine Day by creating EM Mudballs. These balls are made of dried mud and “Effective Microorganisms” (EM), which are then thrown into large bodies of water to eliminate sludge and slime. Japanese citizens across the country create and toss thousands of these balls for Marine Day each year.



 

 

 

 

Out walking around on Saturday in My Neighborhood- Out of Touristy Area

Oh my gosh Mom- I found the Dollar Store Japan..you should come visit (actually right now with conversion it is only $0.93..haha)

 

While walking around Tokyo Harbor on Sunday-  A performance (Syd- you can come dance in Japan).  Videos below- I hope they work..I have never attached videos. 

After watching the performance- Went to have Dinner- Australian Pinot Noir (Jeff you would have enjoyed!!)

"THE FRIED CHICKEN"

Tokyo Harbor at Night on my way home

So many stores just have beautiful plants

My purchases at the market

Yeah my boxes have arrived - 2 weeks later.  Everything I need for 6 months

Decorate my apartment with Cards and photos- makes me smile!

Market closest to my house- 10 minute walk..but very expensive

 

Hello Everyone...
Sunday afternoon here and wanted to catch you all up on my week.. I have now been here 8 days...so pretty much over the jet lag and adjusted to my new time zone..

So a couple of things about my week- I have now completed 5 days in my new job...so far so good.  I think everyone is still trying to figure out about me...you know..am I capable..am I smart..am I an American spy..so so many questions going on in the office!

So on Monday I got to leave work early and move into my new...321sq. ft apt.  I live in Shinegawa (let me know if you need my address so you can send me amazing things..haha)  My apt. is small..but so so nice and conveniently located to so many restaurants/markets/etc.  And..a 10 minute covered walked to the JR train station..why is that SOO important..well because it is rainy season in Japan..that is why the covered part is so important.

So I am checked in ..still waiting for my boxes but hopefully those will arrive in a couple of days so I can be fully unpacked and settled.

So like I said I have a short 10 minute walk to the train station...5 stops on the train..and 10 minute walk from Tokyo Station to my office- Otemachi.  First part of the week here it was hot..I mean really hot...and the air in my office does not come on until 9am..and I say air condition but really it is hot air being circulated.  So it is very common for people to come in with their hair wet from sweat.  Well I say people..really just me and the men..The women have on long sleeves..and are just glistening...like not sweating..my over at my desk..using my rag to wipe the sweat from my face...as my bangs are stuck to my forehead..make up already melted off my face by 8:30am...not a pretty sight..let me just tell all of you.  So needless to say extra make up and deodorant are packed in my bag. 

The train stations in the morning and afternoon..are something you can never really prepare yourself for...There is people coming from every corner of the world it feels like.  First couple of mornings I was pretty traumatized..but by Friday..I knew what side to walk on..which way to turn..I was actually fitting in..and not the rude American.  It all just works here..people walk in the right direction...in unision.  EXCEPT on Fridays- I never saw people break the rules of crosswalks/etc- However, on Friday after work headed to the train station- I saw them..Rule Breakers in Japan.  They were crossing not in cross walks and when there was no Green Walk sign..haha it was just a funny observation to me because during the week I never saw this happening

So back to work..on Tuesday I had orientation..in Japanese with another guy...
And then they told me they sent me the material...again in Japanese..however they did walk me around the Emergency Exit Route/Etc. for Earthquakes- And don't worry at my desk I do have my own earthquake backpack and helmet if needed.  But I am happy to report..that on Friday..they sent me an English Version of the Orinetation..so I am now set!

Some other funny/interesting things this week
-My washer/dryer (it is an all in one)- Is all in Japanese...I will be posting some pics.  I am happy to report I have washed 3 loads of laundry and dried them..and my clothes still fit me.  I know you guys might consider this a small thing..But living in a foreign country and conquering that is huge.  Also yesterday I wandered around and found laundry detergent..because they only gave me two sample packs when I checked it..I live in a touristy area...so I wandered outside of my home base and found at a much cheaper market..Score!

- Grocery Shopping- So I went to the grocery store.  Let me first start in telling you it is near my house...But..you still have to carry what you buy..note to self I bought too much..ROOKIE move on my part.  But I won't do that again.  So that market I went to..SOOO EXPENSIVE..and man it is tough shopping when nothing is in English.  But I was successful in getting eggs, bread, milk, juice, cheese, strawberry jam, peanut butter, lemon cakes, chips, bananas, apples - 2 of them..cost me $4.00, yogurt, granola, water..I think that is it..but yes that is a lot..and I had to carry it..I guess my eyes were too big.  Will try to get some photos from the market this week..Headed there actually after I finish up this post...so stay tuned.  I told myself today I am going to buy something different each time I go..just to expand my mind and palate..so stay tuned

-Next- The Trash Cans..I know you must be thinking..what is she talking about..But the trash system is very serious in Japan.  First..you could walk 10 minutes without seeing a trash can.  And no one will throw trash on the ground.  Second when you do see them- You won't seen just one- In my office alone..there are 7 all lined up in a row.  It literally is one of the most stressful times in my day trying to understand where to throw- Plastic, Paper, Coffee Cup, Food...I know all the office staff is probably trying to figure out why I am over there so long.  In my apartment I have - Burnable, Unburnable, and the trash compactor where I throw food in..so much less complicated system.

-Welcome Drinking Party- Also I need to update everyone..so Shocker I work with all men in my dept.- Only lady here..
But to welcome me in very Japanese fashion...They took me out to a local Japanese bar with food and drinking for my welcome drinking party. It was a blast..they actually took me to a place with Fried Chicken..They were so proud of themselves and to tell you I was so thankful for Fried Chicken, French Fries, Korean Pancakes, Caesar Salad- that had an raw egg cracked on top of it (it was pretty good).  In Japan raw eggs are on a lot of things and very safe to eat here.  They say raw eggs in Japan won't kill you like they do in the Unites States. We went to Kanda for the drinking party- why do I tell you this..because I got on a train at a different station and still made it home.  For those of you that now how directional challenged I am this is some pretty big news for me.

-Dressing in the office- So like I told you..it was really hot here the beginning of  the week.  Men in the summer are allowed summer dress which means they do not have to wear a coat and can wear short sleeve dress shirts.  I have been dressing with sleeveless but cardigan...which in case you forgot...no air until 9am...Well the other day mid week..I saw a Japanese lady who I have now met and have lunch with this week...Wearing sleeveless...and then the next day..wearing PINK..oh my gosh...everyone wears blue, black, gray, navy, white..so to see her wearing this was music to my ears..and huge sigh of relief.  So I decided I will be like her..the next day I wore sleeveless...and then the next day wait for it..I wore GREEN..haha..!  I may not be a leader here but when I see something I like you better believe I will be the quickest follower ever.

So going to wrap this up..stay tuned will post some this week...
I have some fun things coming up...Dinner with wine, girls lunch...so more to come.
Also just want to say a huge thank you to my family and friends for supporting this journey...and for taking time to talk this week and figuring out our new normal with talking schedules.  They are all the most amazing people ever...and I miss them dearly.  There is no way I would be as driven and fierce of a women without them...they not only have my back..but they stand beside my holding me up.

Much love to you all
K

Pics with my Co-Workers at my Welcome Drinking Party

Pics of Where I live- Shinegawa- Oakwood

Breakfast Sunday Morning- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Grilled Bacon

Home Sweet Home!

Evening Commute...Intense (Chris O'Bryan you would love this)

See whyI am so proud of myself....