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....

 

Hello All:
Decided to start my blog back up to keep everyone updated on my life for the next 6 months.
So I flew out early Friday AM- and made it to Japan by 2:15pm Saturday (Japan time- they are 13 hours ahead of us).  I arrived at my hotel around 6pm and I was asleep by 7..haha

Having to stay in a hotel for 2 nights before my apartment is ready- Tomorrow I will go after work to check into my apartment.  It is 321 sq.ft- Studio...stay tuned I will post some pictures in a couple of days so you can all check out my new pad. 

After I woke up went to the continental breakfast...not really my style so I went walking and found a Starbucks.  My sister Alison would however fit in perfect in Japan  they always serve hard boiled eggs..When I saw everyone this morning it made me think of her and miss her

Yesterday was a rough day...I am going to miss everyone so much but I know each day will get easier.  I am beyond blessed with the most amazing family and friends- I had more dinners, parties, etc before I left and please know I will be thinking of these times often.

Not much else to report on Day 1-But I will report back later in the week to let you know how my first day of work went.


Couple of Interesting Take-Aways
-Teenage girls in Japan love to put their makeup on in Starbucks...over and over again
-Japanese have their own sense of style- I have seen a lot of Polka Dots and Plaid, Fancy Lacy Shirt with Sweatpants
-There has to be like one million restaurants here in Tokyo-

Much Love
Karen


 

Venice

So 2 weekends ago...TC and I headed to the beach for the day

we first went to Santa Monica..where he did a bike ride..and i laid on the beach and read a book..haha

Then we went to Venice to meet one of his co-workers and his wife (she just got her 3 weeks ago- i think a potential new friend...yeah!)

So Venice has alot of culture..basically you can see anything..anything you can dream in your mind...you will probably see in Venice (this is why I decided when my mom and dad come to visit I have to take my dad to visit Venice..he will love it...my dad is all about the atmosphere..well Venice will provide him with "the atmosphere")

So while most of you have heard of the original muscle beach...i always thought it was in Venice...but it was actually in Santa Monica...that is a little fun fact for you.

We had lunch at this really awesome Chinese restaurant called Mao's Kitchen

http://www.maoskitchen.com/

The whole reason I am blogging about this trip is because it was a pretty funny trip...

1.) tc got crapped all over by a bird..which was funny by itself because it was at the beginning of our day..but what was really funny...was he took some paper towels off a food cart and the owner..literally cussed him out..i was like..where am I...what is going on

2.) We were all working and all of a sudden this lady threw a yogurt cup at michelle(the lady that was with us) so all day long...michelle was pretty quiet...reserved...and i was like i am sure she wont say anything...well all of a sudden she picked up the yogurt cup and threw it back at this lady and said don't throw stuff into a crowd..haha..

i laughed hysterically...because totally did not see this coming from her..she is just this Little bitty quiet thing...so i decided her new name will be Scrappy...

Sweet Home...(thought i was going to say AL didn't you..)KY

Hello All-

We are about 48 hours away from me being home...OH MY GOSH...who else is super pumped....

I will be flying in this weekend to see some really cute babies..visit friends...love on my family...and attend my nephews baptism....

I will be flying alone..and for those of you who dont know..I have like the worst luck flying...tc said i must have made the travel gods mad and as much bad luck as i have had...I should be okay for this one...we shall see I am not holding my breath.

I basically have a packed 3 days and I am so excited about each and every single minute. I have not been home since the first of May and I know everyone is thinking..."how can we possibly get thru another week without karen..."..haha..well some of you wont have to..but some will have to wait til October..so sorry it will be here before you know it..just know i miss you all

So basically i am writing to tell you when i get back and my blog post about home there will probably be close to 1 million pictures...so be ready for that...block out a large portion of your day for it.

Oh another funny syd story

so she is really into dinosaurs...and loves to learn about them..she has been talking about t-rx...wooly mammoth...etc

telling alison which one is a plant eater..which one is a meat eater...etc

my sister asked how she knew all that..she said, "mom..don't you know i am dinosaur expert..."

haha..yes she is 3..i know

I am sure I will have plenty when i come back from ky

I have talked to her several time..and she is pumped her aunt is coming home...we are headed to the movies..and maybe on sunday to the mall to eat a mall pretzel and watch the fountain...it is where we discuss life together..haha

Help..anyone..Help

So I have sent emails to several people on facebook..but just in case...i forgot..or you dont have facebook...
But here is the run down on Sept 10- TC and I will be giving our time, energy, and money to a cause that is pretty amazing..BEST BUDDIES-

This charity was started in 1985 by Arthur Kennedy Shriver- Please go to best buddies website to see the interesting story.

Tc will be riding in the 62 mile bike ride along the PCH...(pacific coast highway) and I will be running the 5k
This is TC's 4th year (2nd year being the team captain for CVS pharmacy) and it will be my first year participating..but I am very excited..(disclaimer- TC usually does the century bike ride..but we will be going on a little trip to San Francisco after the race is over...and well since he married this much younger chick...he wanted to be able to walk and keep up with me on our Frisco trip..so he opted for the 62 mile ride...slacker..haha)
We are asking for our friend and family to help raise money for this charity and to donate along with us to this worth- while cause...
85% of donations are given directly to the people in need and programs..
Only 15% is used for administrative cost...
Whether you can give $5-50-500...any amount is okay...and much appreciated.


And the website is attached- So all you have to do is go click on it...type in T.C. Trial and then decide how much you want to give..now please don't get crazy ....a couple of thousand dollars would be way too much and TC and I would just feel very bad..but if you guys insist!!

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read this and considering to donate to a charity we think is pretty amazing...
Now when you are reading this and you are in the mood to give....don't forget about some great other ones..ALS, race for a cure, American Cancer Society...

"Goodness is the only investment that never fails"- Henry David Thoreau

Fourth of July in Long Beach

So my first official 4th of July as s resident of CA-

We went to the Queen Mary in Long beach

You can go and read all about the Queen Mary and its history- www.queenmary.com

In Dec of 1967 the Queen Mary was docked at Long Beach and has been there ever since as a tourist attraction.

We headed out that day with friends Ryan and Colleen and her son Aiden (who was so excited to see the fireworks)

Then we met up with Callie and her son Brady (friends from KY who came to visit us.)

We went to eat at this amazing Crepe place..it was so yummy...(tc picked it out..that is one of his specialities..picking out amazing restaurants...if you need him to do it just contact us and he will do it for a small fee..haha)

Then we were off to Long Beach to start our day of adventure...So when we first walked on the ship I was seriously like..it feels like I am walking on Titanic..haha

We toured around the boat and saw several really cool things-

Then we went back out to the yard and listened to Lisa Haley and the Zydecats- which was very interesting...it was Cajun music...(my dad would have really enjoyed this part of the day)

Then it was time for us to head back to the boat and get our spot to watch the fireworks and listen to the dj on the deck..

This was not before our friend Ryan had sampled all the fair type food they had..he had a bubble gum flavored icy, kettle corn, pizza..yeah you get the picture he is a fair food junky...

So we get up on the deck..and hear some really cool music and we are all dancing around having a good time...

When the fireworks went off they started playing music and I swear every time I hear the Lee Greenwood song..Proud to be an American I always tear up.

It was amazing to look around and see people from every country, race, nationality, all walks of life - looking so proud to be "Americans"- the home of the free and brave thanks to all of our amazing Military who sacrifice every day so that we are afforded those luxuries...

It was amazing sight..it was almost like time stood still for a moment...like we were all one and there was no race..no color...no hate in the world (wouldn't that be nice...a girl can dream..)

Now the fireworks were pretty amazing...nothing like thunder over Louisville (but hey no one can be as good as KY kicking off the derby!!)

After it was over of course we just hung around because it was a zoo of people trying to get out as quick as possible...so we just hung out and had a good time!

Well when we did get to the car and got on he road...you guessed it..it was pretty bad...so kind of a buzz kill for the end of the night..but hey like i said..traffic has taught me patience so there is really nothing you can do about it..just go with it and not let it ruin your night (because it will if you let it- i cant take all the credit for this philosphy...my husband is actually the one who has taught me this after living here since 07)

Then on the way home TC, Callie, and Brady picked us all up Del Taco- Callie and Brady had never had Del Taco

If everyone is wondering what that it ..it is a up scale Taco Bell..and pretty tasty!!

Hope Everyone is enjoying their afternoon...we are getting new flooring on our stairs today so stay tuned for some pics~

Movie Sets....basically in my back yard

Good Morning All-

Well a couple of weeks ago I was doing my usual running routine to Magic Mountain and I noticed something on the other side o f the road...I could not figure out what was going on....since the restaurant they were at had been closed down for several months...

Well it was a movie set..they had snow machines....prop police cars and police officers...it was so cool...

So I ran back as fast as I could to get TC....and we got the car and did the tourist drive by several times so we could get some pics (i am attaching them)

If you ever come to LA....you will see these little yellow signs everywhere...I mean in Valencia right now they are all over the place...They have weird letters like codes and arrows and we have figured out they are like a map for people doing the sets...

TC and I said one day we are just going to follow them around and see what we stumble upon...

So update on Carmageddon...Californians are making me proud...the aerial views are looking pretty good..however there have been several reports of accidents on the side streets people are taking..

And we heard on the news this morning from the contractor...and for every hour he is late..it is $72K penalty...

Much love to all..and I hear it has been very hott in KY..so everyone stay cool and hydrated!