A pitiful day

T5B: 1) I got to message Jerod. 2) We got to talk about a lot of scriptures today. 3) I finished my book. 4) I made myself Indian chicken and veggies (that was pretty decent though lacking mustard oil). 5) 2014 is going to be SO much better.

basal temp: 36.58

Morning:
- I keep sleeping less and less :/
- spent a lot of time feeling discouraged
- TRIED to nap/get back to sleep
- read
- got to message Jerod

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- had a breakfast sandwich (delicious)
- finished my book
- messaged Jerod some more

Notes: --

Evening:
- messaged Jerod some more
- continued to feel badly
- made and ate some Indian chicken and veggies
- played some games on my phone
- started a new book

Notes: I spent a lot of time today feeling sorry for myself. I hadn't bought any special foods because I didn't expect to be home. I couldn't convince myself to go out and get some. Just felt so down. :/ I tried to not spend the whole day down. Just kinda hard when I'm here by myself. Still it was nice to talk to Jerod and we shared a lot of spiritual insights with one another. It's been a miraculous blessing for me to start building that spiritual relationship with him. :) I miss my family and I miss my friends. I miss them more than I did on Christmas! I had planned how Christmas would go and New Year's as well. So when New Year's fell through the day before I couldn't roll with that punch quickly enough. :/ Still, tomorrow starts 2014 and I have a lot of big dreams and goals and I'm excited to see Jerod and my family again in person. XOXO, A

Jerod asked me for an excited face picture and I sent this - I laughed myself to tears several times looking at it. He was definitely startled. LOL

A day of disappointments

T5B: 1) Even though Jerod and I had a rough day, we worked it out and it ended well. 2) I will have time to do more origami tomorrow. 3) Fumie brought by a futon and she GAVE it to me (0.o) - it's SO nice! Already I feel much better and that's just sitting on it. 4) I have only one more first grade (sophomore) class to finish. :) 5) I got my grocery shopping done today.

basal temp: 35.99

Morning:
- I didn't sleep well again - my percentage is back in the 70s
- showered
- messaged Jerod

Notes: I was so tired I couldn't motivate myself to do much. :/

Afternoon:
- my HT came by and he's going to let a coworker of mine (male) stay at his place for a few days (YAY! So he'll be in an appropriate place)
- a man who works for the apartment building (I think) came by and installed a smoke detector
- I went grocery shopping
- read a little bit
- found out my New Year's Eve plans are cancelled (cried a WHOLE lot)

Notes: The rough patch I mentioned with Jerod was my own fault. A coworker, who is male, asked to stay at my place. I was thinking, "Yay! I can be a missionary and give him a positive experience with church members!" Of course Jerod FREAKED, and understandably so. He was right - what the heck was I doing letting a guy stay over with just me here (the Shawn thing was an accident as I expected the McDonalds to be here when he said he was coming - actually HE moved up the time .. anyway). So I got back to this guy and said, "Sorry, I made a mistake." I felt really badly about breaking my word and asked around the ward for help. My HT (Shiwa-kyoudai) came to the rescue and said this guy could stay there. I'm REALLY glad he has somewhere to stay. Jerod is REALLY worried about my ability to make good decisions. :/ I just didn't think it through properly. (In my defense I've had VERY little sleep and I really DID want to do some missionary work.) In any case, I've been feeling like a failure. I was told I would get a chance to share the gospel by coming to Japan and I just haven't. Not that I can see. It makes me feel like I've wasted my time or disappointed my Father in Heaven. I jumped at this chance because I thought this was it, but as I said, Jerod was right. I made a stupid decision and thanks to ward members I was able to keep my word that this guy would have a place to stay. (He's taking the driving test to get his Japanese DL - I've heard it's rigorous and extrememly expensive so he needed somewhere to stay because his money is going to the state and not a hotel room. - Maybe I misunderstood. But ya...) -- THEN New Year's Eve. As you know, I was supposed to spend it with a Japanese family. They told me they would dress me in a kimono, we would go to a shrine, we would visit an onsen and eat traditional New Year's Japanese food (which is exquisitely beautiful and looks delicious - I've seen pictures). Now THAT was exciting. The best part for me was that the mom said she would let me help her prepare all the food. I was SO excited to learn how to make Japanese food. Only I contacted the family about going over tomorrow and their daughter is SUPER ill so no go. They invited me on the 9th of November. I've been looking forward to this for two months. I've bragged to everyone I know. And those plans were my only winter break plans (other than lots of origami and rest but I've been sucking at the rest bit). It was quite the blow to learn my plans were cancelled. I cried and cried and cried. :/ Oh well. More time for origami, eh?

Evening:
- Fumie stopped by with a futon
- I spilled my dinner everywhere :/
- I did some more origami
- watched some Sherlock
- got to message Jerod some more and we worked everything out

Notes: I hope you all have a very fun New Year's. I will be wildly jealous from my place. Maybe the bragging is what did me in? :/ In any case, hope you all had a lovely Sabbath (Jerod did and shared with me and I'm grateful for him sharing his spiritual experiences with me). My love to you all, XOXO, A

P.S. I think I forgot to update you about dinner with my doctor. She never got back to me, so I emailed her on Christmas day and said, "Missed you last night." She answered something like, "No, we have dinner tomorrow: Tuesday." (The next day was Thursday.) Me: Tuesday: 火曜日. She apologized profusely and we rescheduled for the 4th. For reason I said Tuesday. I checked the calendar today and it's a Saturday. DOH! So I wrote back and apologized and said I was still free and I would see her then.

Ooooooh shiny... (it speaks Japanese too... very helpful?)

Pain City

T5B: 1) Got to message Jerod a little. 2) Fumie-s came over and gave me apples and senbei and said I could borrow a futon! Yahoo! 3) I'm more than halfway done with two additional classes (34/40 for 1.5 and 24/43 for 2.2). 4) I was able to read for a little bit. 5) I'm planning on getting restful sleep tonight.

basal temp: 36.02

Morning:
- last night I didn't fall asleep until 2 am, had a bunch of nightmares and woke up with a blistering migraine - between that and my budding cold I opted to stay home and try and get extra rest (didn't happen :c)
- tried to get back to sleep for a while
- finally got up, made breakfast, washed my face
- read a while
- did a little origami

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- messaged Jerod a little
- Fumie stopped by
- I did some more origami

Notes: --

Evening:
- a couple movies and origami
- spent a little time playing guitar

Notes: Wow doesn't look like much typed out. I have a blistering migraine, I barely slept last night, and I'm getting a cold. I decided to stay home and try and get some extra rest. By the time the beginning of church rolled around I had lain awake for two hours trying to get additional rest. Also because I stayed home I wasn't able to use the church's wifi to skype my family. :/ I'm grateful I got to talk to them for Christmas! In any case, I'm grateful the ward members were so concerned. I'm REALLY grateful to be getting another futon to provide extra padding. I am in constant pain right now. :< In any case, hope you have a lovely Sabbath. XOXO, A

My sleep the past week - awful stuff :( -- I've only had two decent night's rest since the break started. You're killin me Smalls!! (Also that hour and a half you see listed at the bottom of the screen... I didn't even sleep! I think I just laid so still my phone thought I had. :/)

Saturday Dec 28

T5B: 1) I got to message Jerod. 2) I had Christmas dinner with the elders and sisters. 3) Our closing prayer was pretty funny (details below). 4) I finished one class's spiders (44 - 5 classes to go!). 5) I didn't get everything I needed to finish done, but I felt accomplished.

basal temp: 36.22

Morning:
- messaged Dre
- slept in a little (got my second decent night's sleep for the whole break)
- read a little bit
- played some games on my phone (mostly stayed in my blankets because it was warm there)
- started some laundry

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- showered
- cleaned my kitchen (dishes, sink, burner, swept and mopped the floor)
- organized my room and swept the floor
- hung up my laundry
- did a little origami
- messaged Jerod for a little bit
- had planned to go grocery shopping but got depressed and didn't want to leave my place

Notes: --

Evening:
- cooked some apple with water and cinnamon (as an apple pie substitute for the elders and sisters)
- got out the drinks (my piece to bring)
- hid my drying garments in my closet :D
- had the elders and sisters over the Christmas dinner (it was fun!)
- they left, I cleaned up
- got to talk to Jerod a bunch more
- got my garments back out so they could dry
- watched a little Sherlock while I did a little more origami, went to bed

Notes: At the party we jankened (rock paper scissors) for who would pray. I won and everyone asked me to pray in ASL. Sister Gass goes, "Wait, do we close our eyes!?" LOL Everyone teased her a lot about it. And I told her I'd made the same mistake and they asked me, "Then how would you know when the prayer was finished!?" So they eased off her. So I start praying (as the person praying I close my eyes, everyone else watches the prayer) and around halfway through I hear snickering. I'm thinking, "What the heck!? They're laughing at my signing!?" But I continue to pray and then finish. Well as it turns out, this poor Japanese elder didn't realize what was going on and had closed his eyes. He kept waiting and waiting and waiting for me to start praying and the other elders and sisters just watched him like, "What is he doing!?" Then he looks up and got a shock. They all thought it was hilarious. Poor guy. I think he felt REALLY left out last night. It was making my heart hurt to watch him sitting quietly. I didn't know what to say though. It feels like I know so little USEFUL Japanese at moments like that. :/ I hope he didn't hate the party. Hyoudou-shimai knows English pretty well. I found out this is her last transfer too! That's three missionaries who have gone home from Morioka since I've been here. NO! Four! I said to them, "Everyone comes to Morioka to die (mission slang for ending the mission)." The sisters all laughed (the elders were having their own conversation) and Hyoudou-s was like, "Sou nee!" :) (Yep!) I'm glad they all came over. And afterwards I got to have a nice conversation with Jerod. :) Good night after a rough day. XOXO, A

Yamanoguchi-c (chourou), Hyoudou-s, Moon-s

Gass-s, Temanahamoo-c, Bethea-c, Fitzpatrick-c

Miku-s (shortening of McGreevey), Bethea-c, Fiz-c, Yamanoguchi-c

McGreevey-s, Bethea-c, Fitz-c (he goes by Fitz because it's easier for the Japanese to say)

I'm a pro!

T5B: 1) I got to message Jerod today. 2) I transferred money to my bank acct in the US all by myself (it hasn't shown up yet - obviously and I'll be nervous until it does... HOWEVER I did the whole trip by myself)! 3) I'm almost done with one class of spiders (44 - I have 36 done). 4) I have 4 classes worth of stingrays done (160)! 5) I got to read some today and watched Ironman 3 for the first time. :)

basal temp: 35.07 (my book doesn't even go that low!)

Morning:
- got up early with Sarah (we both just randomly woke up early though we stayed up kinda late - really late - talking)
- worked on a little origami
- messaged Dre
- read a little bit
- showered
- ate some breakfast

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- psyched myself up and went out to transfer money
- found out my withdrawal limit
- had to go to another branch downtown
- lost money in the transfer (:/)
- paid my tithing (you have to do that at the bank)
- messaged Jerod

Notes: Getting that money sent was kinda crazy. I needed to send it though because I put my ticket for my flight back home on my cc and I would like to pay that off next month (and not keep a revolving balance). I had planned on sending a large chunk home, but I reached my withdrawal limit. (And like I said, I was sent to the big JP in town - but it wasn't TOO far so it was ok.) Anyway I get down there and they give me the paperwork which I start filling out. I asked some questions but wasn't understood, however I was able to muddle my way through. Sheesh when I got here, the dollar was strong and I lost money. Now sending money home, the dollar is weak and I lost money again. AARGH! Come on guys! Get it together! If I had had at least the same rate, that would have been nice. :/ Oh well. I just hope it goes back up. At least to equal. I lost $300 today changing it over. :/ HOWEVER, I am glad I will be able to pay my credit card in full when it's due on the 4th of next month. -- I was so worried about the whole transaction and was going to put it off, but I bit the bullet and went for it! I just hope the rate is better in March. Having sent that money home also means I have less cash to carry when I fly home. That makes me feel much safer! Anyway, I felt like a hero after I finished!

It made me think of when I first got here: my first night in Morioka. I was STRESSED. As soon as my IC left, I PANICKED hardcore. I cried and hyperventilated. I didn't have my stuff. I didn't have a phone. I didn't have internet. And I was alone in Japan. I felt like I was free falling into an abyss. Then I got a few minutes internet and was able to text my mom's phone through email. That little ray of hope kept me going until the next day. Then I got my phone and skyped my parents. Since then I have seen myself overcome things that I didn't think were possible to overcome. Today when I woke up, I was really freaked out at the thought of doing that transfer. I had planned on doing it on Friday and then it was Friday before I had a chance to mentally prepare myself. However the spirit fortified me. As time passed I felt more and more confident that I could do it. I couldn't find my original list so I made a new one, and went for it. What a blessing to be successful in a situation that was giving me panic attacks this morning! :)

Evening:
- read a little bit
- worked on lots more origami
- got to talk to Jerod again later on (he took a long nap)
- watched Ironman 3 and some of Pirates (while doing origami)
- read scriptures (meant to do that in the morning like usual and just forgot)
- played a little guitar

Notes: My love to you all! Also I forgot to mention this sooner, but I am frustrated with my grocery store. I had a favorite ramen: kimchi ramen (sorry if I already ranted about this). Then they stopped carrying it. So I found another spicy ramen (not as good, but decent). Then they stopped carrying it. Then I found a spicy yakisoba. Then last week when I went to buy it... gone. I was so bummed out and upset. COME ON! Luckily when I went back Monday evening to grab some more pepper popcorn (which I hope they're still carrying), I saw some and grabbed one! (These are all individual serving sizes.) I wish they'd bring back the kimchi ramen. :/ It was the best and also the cheapest one! Aww. Oh also I got our next choir number picked out ! YAY!! Anyway, XOXO, A

Bag o spiders

This is my victory selfie - I took it right after I got home from that transaction (hence the rosy face from the cold)

I took that dialect test .. Bakersfield!? I'm not from the armpit of America. Ok??

Saz Comes to Visit

T5B: 1) I got to talk to Jerod for a LONG time today. :) 2) Saz is spending the night. 3) We had fun watching a movie and some tv together (on my laptop). 4) I have made 130 of the 240 origami for my MM sophomores (stingray) and I've made 20 of my 235 (I think - not sure where I stuck the exact numbers) spiders (eep) for my juniors. (I have 736 students total. Jerod didn't realize until today that I was actually making a piece of origami for each of my students. He told me that I was the most caring teacher he knew. :D) 5) I read another great Conference talk today (Like a Broken Vessel).

basal temp: 36.22

Morning:
- got up early (in and out of the apartment then back into bed) to put out my plastic recycling :D (it may or may not be a couple months since I have had it :/ oops ~ kept missing the day and it comes by every two weeks so ya... but hey! got it!!)
- slept in really late because I was so tired
- got up and got ready for the day
- read a little bit
- messaged Jerod

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- kept messaging Jerod
- had a late lunch
- worked on origami
- Saz showed up and we chatted for a bit
- we started a movie (Star Trek)

Notes: --

Evening:
- still messaging Jerod (YAY!)
- I made us some dinner
- after we finished Star Trek we watched some Hannibal (the whole time I was working on origami)
- we had popsicles
- we chatted some more
- the end

Notes: I'm super tired! I have had fun tonight though. :) Yay! I'm so glad I got to talk to Jerod for so long and to have Saz come visit. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas! XOXO, A

I loved the game's "word" - please! I'll accept "ya'll," but "youall"!? Come on Japan!

The spider! Eep!

The stingrays :)

Merry Christmas!

First, I want to testify of Jesus Christ. I know He lived, I know He died for us and made returning to our heavenly home possible. I'm so grateful for His incomprehensible sacrifice and an opportunity to know Him through scriptures and people who exemplify His amazing charity. How grateful I am for an extra chance to remember Him and His love. 

T5B: 1) I got to skype my family. 2) I received some treats. 3) I got to see the Christmas concert and the elders escorted me there and back. 4) It snowed but didn't stick so riding home was safe (thank goodness). 5) I read some great Conference talks (Small and Simple Things, Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?)!

basal temp: 36.54

Morning:
- my sleep wasn't great (83%) but I'm glad I got it
- I got up and showered
- ate my typical, but delicious, breakfast sandwich
- opened my Christmas presents
- skyped my family while they opened the box I sent them :)

Notes: -- (pics below)

Afternoon:
- I picked up a little bit (Saz is supposed to spend a night at mine so I tried to make it presentable)
- ate some lunch
- played some games
- finished watching that stupid movie (Arashi no Yoru ni - laaaaaame!)
- the elders came by to pick me up

Notes: --

Evening:
- same stress as the Christmas party
- watched the concert, felt lonely and like an outsider
- talked to McGreevey-shimai who made me feel much better and said that I blessed her life :,)
- rode home

Notes: I guess I forgot to mention before why the Christmas party was so stressful. There were just SO MANY PEOPLE and so much noise. It was overwhelming. And the chaos and people coming at my face and standing close and saying things I don't understand. I had several panic attacks. Then the same thing tonight. Lots of people showed up (and I'm happy for the missionaries that they did) but it was OVERWHELMING for me. Plus the announcer kept cracking jokes and everyone would laugh except for me. It just made me feel intensely lonely and I wished I hadn't gone. :/ I wouldn't make myself feel left out at home! In any case, McGreevey-shimai (missionary) came over and talked to me (because I started crying) and she helped me to feel better. She said she felt the exact same way as I did (and still does at times) and that >I< was the person who gave her hope and made her feel like everything was ok. She told me, "I know you're not sure if you accomplished your goal here in Japan, but I want you to know that I needed you here and the Lord sent you to me." It was awesome to hear that. Love that girl! She was a blessing in my life tonight. And the concert was fun to see and they gave me treats. So I'm glad I went (though I think it lasted WAY too long - left here at 16h30 and just got back at 21h00) but I'm even more glad to be home. Merry Christmas to you all! Much love!! XOXO, A

P.S. One story from the ward party, though it's about me. That guy who played crazy guitar tonight (video on fb - it's WAY too big to load here) was there and I made him and the missionaries laugh. I can't remember what I said the first time, but as I was trying to grab some Christmas cake, I went to get a fork. All the forks were stuck together (and I didn't realize they were watching me) and I said, "Whoa! Fork jackpot!" That made them all laugh really hard and made me feel a little more in control and calm. Then I went and hid in the corner. Almost literally.

(The video is the first time I have seen a train on the way to church! So I took a quick video!)

Christmas Eve - I kept with tradition and opened a gift

I told you about these pictures a while back - the difference in my body shape (I didn't realize the extent until I saw this second photo - the first is from the beginning of May and the second is from Thanksgiving)

My Christmas presents - EXACTLY what I wanted - thanks family!! XOXO

Josh played silent night like that - SUPER awesome and impressive (my dad did backup for a bit)

They are trying the senbei I sent :)

Saying goodbye

A picture of when we got stopped (video of the train above)

Christmas Eve

T5B: 1) I had a burger for dinner (I'm now out of red meat - it was great while it lasted though!!). 2) I made more origami (I finished one class! Out of ... well a LOT, but still! Progress)! 3) I visited the office. 4) I went to the post office. 5) I got myself some more black pepper popcorn.

basal temp: 35.81

Morning:
- I got better sleep! FINALLY!
- breakfast was good
- did origami
- ran errands
- messaged Dre

Notes: I got 89% on my sleep! I mailed Christmas cards to Doug & Kathy and to Phil. I also sent Jump to Tara - SHEESH it was WICKED expensive. :/

Afternoon:
- I went to the office (gave them small Christmas gifts and turned in receipts)
- chatted with Chihi and Tsukasa for a bit
- I rode to the grocery store and picked up some cheese, pepper popcorn, and English muffins
- watched a time traveling Japanese movie (I forget the name - it was depressing)

Notes: I'm glad I got the popcorn.

Evening:
- made myself a burger for dinner
- did some more origami
- watched Scarlet Pimpernel
- turned off my water since it's dropping to -7 tonight (:/ - but hey! I did it!!)
- caught up on my blog :)

Notes: I'm looking forward to skyping my family tomorrow. Merry Christmas Eve and Merry Christmas too! XOXO, A

Monday/Christmas Eve Eve

T5B: 1) I got to message Jerod. 2) I got some more origami made. 3) It was a holiday (the emperor's birthday). 4) I have a heater. 5) I had a burger for lunch.

basal temp: 36.26

Morning:
- I got up late (was trying to sleep in)
- freezing apartment!
- I cleaned a little bit

Notes: My sleep was awful - 76%.

Afternoon:
- had a burger for lunch
- cleaned and organized a bit more
- got the cards to mail to the US ready to go (and Jump for Tara) to mail tomorrow
- got a ride to the ward Christmas party

Notes: --

Evening:
- the ward party was really stressful
- I got home fairly late, but I had a ride so yay for that!
- folded some more origami (did some in the morning)
- got to message Jerod
- watched Nightmare Before Christmas

Notes: I lost track of time and COMPLETELY forgot to write a blog entry. Sorry! Anyway I hope you all had a great Joseph Smith's birthday/Emperor's birthday/Christmas Eve Eve! XOXO, A

Sunday and Pictures

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMAN!!! I hope it's super great and that you got sleep and are feeling a little better!!

T5B: 1) I got to skype my parents! 2) I got a couple of Christmas gifts from ward members. 3) I set up with the missionaries to have a Christmas dinner/get together Saturday night at my apartment. 4) I had an amazing burger for dinner. 5) I got a ride to church and tomorrow is a holiday!

Story I forgot from yesterday: When I got out of the grocery store there was this ADORABLE, tiny dog shivering in the wind outside the grocery store. It was sitting in a puddle, its leash tied to the bike rack. I was VERY angry at its owner. Its whole frame was violently shivering. I couldn't NOT pet it because I wanted to put my warm hands on it's poor little shivering frame to transfer some heat. I wanted to put it in my jacket and bring it home - just to keep it warm. Poor pitiful little thing. -- Other thing I forgot to mention - 3/4 of the way through the 20th, I hit my 3/4 year mark! I've been here for 3/4 of a year! Feels insanely like I just got here!

Morning:
- I got woken up by a phone call (again, *sigh*) and asked if I wanted a ride, I declined because there was no snow on the ground
- I got ready, go to leave... it's snowing - called back and asked for that ride
- Sacrament meeting was a little strange
- our song went SO WELL

Notes: The first speaker distracted me because she sniffed MUCH louder than she was speaking and it was like Elder Eyring's little tongue smacking quirk - I started to get obsessed and can't pay attention. :/ The second speaker was odd. She kept taking REALLY long pauses. And I mean, she would say a sentence and LITERALLY pause for a minute afterwards and say nothing. I kept thinking she was going to pass out or something. Seriously. Then the other two speakers seemed to want to make up for lost time and spoke REALLY FAST. So the elder had a really hard time translating. :/ Weird times. THEN, we sang! And it was gorgeous!! The ward members kept thanking ME - but I kept telling them it was the choir. Also one of the choir members thanked me for my singing tips. :) So I felt warm all over about the whole thing. :) Silent Night (sorry about the long pause at the end - my phone had gone to the lock screen)

Afternoon:
- I got to skype my parents
- I was given two beautiful cards (I asked to buy them - to send to Phil and Doug & Kathy)
- I was at the church FOREVER and having trouble killing time (but still grateful for a ride)
- I got a ride home and asked for a ride to the ward Christmas party tomorrow

Notes: I was at the church for 7 hours.

Evening:
- made myself a burger for dinner and it was HEAVENLY, also had an AMAZING salad
- had a long conversation with Jerod
- watched some Parks & Rec

Notes: I just realized! We're performing at the Christmas party tomorrow! I could have someone record the choir on my phone! (With video that is!!!) Oh boy!! :D Hopefully I can find someone to do it or do it myself (though I use both hands to direct... dang it!). Anyway, have a great Sabbath day. XOXO, A

Dec 19 (Thursday) - My student's trees for the Festival of Trees (a charity auction of these crazy cool Christmas trees to benefit a children's hospital in Utah)

Dec 20 (Fri)

I showed you a picture of this street last Friday - check it out now! Insane -- (this is from the other side - before I was standing on that corner where those kids are) this street was a thick river of ice just last week!

Here is the bus center! Of course this is looking out to where the buses drive in to collect passengers - we're waiting at #3

Omiyage from CS teachers

I got an email from the past 0.o

An origami bow I made - it was HARD - so I had to show it off!

I started on my winter break project - - making origami for each of my students (I have 736) - here are the ten sting rays I have so far! :D

Christmas in Morioka - that fish stand is as tall as me - those fish are HUGE -- the Christmas tree is our nod to Christmas -- the gingerbread men were made by and given to me by Anpo-s (one of CS's VPs) :D

Dec 22 (today!)

My Christmas gifts from the members (the bag has two apples)

YAY!! Period (water retention weight) is coming off - wish it would always STAY OFF! Sheesh.

My INCREDIBLE burger - tonkatsu sauce (like A1), toasted english muffin, fresh sautéed garlic, black pepper, red pepper, onion, salt and cheese - SOOOO AMAZING!! Also I had a cabbage salad with lemon dressing. MMM!

Clean Floors

T5B: 1) I got to message Jerod and Dre. 2) I got to get some extra groceries and supplies (I don't think I will have to buy rice again before I leave!). 3) I cleaned my floors and did my laundry. 4) I did lots of relaxing. 5) The temperatures came up a little and the roads were snow and ice free so I was able to ride my bike to the grocery store!

basal temp: 36.22

Morning:
- yaaaaa.... I played games and messaged Dre ... all morning

Notes: I tried to sleep in, didn't work. But I stayed in bed. The temperatures were PLUMMETING and I was freaking out but they went up a little. YAY!

Afternoon:
- showered, did laundry, hung it up
- cleaned a little
- went grocery shopping
- put my groceries away, did a little more cleaning and organizing when I got home

Notes: I wanted to do some positive things with my day

Evening:
- watched a little Parks & Rec
- worked on small Christmas gifts for ward members
- messaged Jerod
- ate some dinner
- found out the forecasted weather went up (a little - we're no longer in the the "turning off the water" range! Thank goodness!)

Notes: I am SO sore. I feel like a giant bruise. This hard bed and thin mattress are making it REALLY hard to get good rest. However, as I said the temp is going back up (to -6) so yay for that! Also I'll be able to ride my bike to church tomorrow. Oh man I'm so nervous about tomorrow. The choir is singing. I hope the members have practiced. We were kind of a mess last week. :/ I just want it to go really well. It's a beautiful number! I will post it tomorrow. All my love, XOXO, A

Friday

T5B: 1) I got to message Jerod and Dre. 2) My students were incredible (totally cried again, oops)! 3) I got home a lot earlier than planned. 4) I watched a lot of Parks & Rec. 5) I finished my book.

basal temp: 36.15

Story I forgot to mention: Jerod pointed out, when I showed him my crazy basal temperature chart, that my emotions matched my chart. He's right. The Lunabell has made my cramps manageable with tylenol, and they are shorter, but I am an emotional WRECK. I get sooo incredibly depressed. Then I'm great then I'm at the bottom of a well again. I emailed the doctor and she said to stop taking Lunabell and she would give me something else. :/ Actually, get this, we're having dinner Tuesday evening. I have a date with my gynocologist (female) for dinner on Christmas Eve. I'm actually really touched and excited. :)

Morning:
- exhausted but got 86%!
- got ready quickly, got to the bus early
1st-3rd - helped the students with their rehearsals
4th - gave out Christmas gifts, sent out some emails and spreadsheets for work

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- the "English Presentation" started at 13:20 and it was AWESOME
- I was asked to give comments
- I had a short conversation with the principal
- we finished early so I got to go home early (caught my bus by speed walking!)
- ran some errands

Notes: It's funny, my junior high kids showed up to watch the high schoolers (I can't remember if I told you but only one parent and one grandparent showed up for the jhs English Presentation. It made me so sad. - On top of that, the mother and grandmother were there to see the same girl. I'm glad they came but what the heck parents!?) and I told them that I wouldn't cry this time. Ya... totally wasn't able to keep that promise. However they had to take off earlier. So they didn't see it. It was the high school teachers, administrative staff (principal and VPs [both]), one parent, and all the high school students (and me). Ya.. I cried again during my comments. I feel like a moron, but they are such incredible kids and I love them so much!  They said we would get finished at 1500 which is why I was going to have to take the late bus. (I usually take the 1447 because the next bus comes at 1657!) In any case, we finished at 1430 so they told me to go ahead and go so I power walked down the hill (since by the time I got out of there it was 1435 and it takes 10 mins to walk down to the bus stop.) Made the bus! Then I had a disheartening time running errands. I REALLY REALLY wanted to get nativities for my mom and myself (I got us each ones on my mission - in Argentina). She collects them and I'm thinking of doing the same. Anyway, ya I was treated like a nut. "Do we have WHAT now!? Why would we have THAT!?" Ya they don't have nativities here. IF they can be bought in Japan, it is in Tokyo. That was very disheartening to learn.

Evening:
- messaged Jerod
- watched way too much Parks & Rec
- finished my book
- stayed up way too late in spite of my goal (just that "I'm free!!!" feeling got to me)

Notes: Sorry I posted late. Suddenly it was 2 am and ya I put myself to bed right away after finding that out. Still, love you all! Hope you had a wonderful Thursday (and now Friday)! XOXO, A

P.S. Pics will be posted later - I'm EXHAUSTED!

Speech! Speech! Speech!

Happy birthday to my BIL Jason!!

T5B: 1) I got an amazing email from Jerod today and was able to message him for a while. 2) I survived the demanded (requested) speech. 3) I was able to correct all my worksheets plus the worksheets of another teacher. 4) I'm done at MM for the year! (Unless I get called in on the 24th..) 5) I got to read on the bus.

basal temp: 36.15

Morning:
- sleep dropped to 80% :c
- I was able, however, to get ready fairly quickly
- I got rid of a ton of trash! (missed a trash day and this one only comes every two weeks)
- crampy
- gave my Christmas presents to the English teachers (hope it's ok I only gave to them :/ - and the Principal & VPs)
1st - taught 1.5, went well
2nd - taught a new lesson to 1.1, went well (thanks to Mr. Hosokawa!)
3rd-4th - corrected worksheets, made adjustments for my last two classes

Notes: I had one new lesson this morning (as mentioned above) and I was pretty nervous about it. But like I said also, Mr. Hosokawa was a life saver. I just ... it was a new lesson and I was trying to make it work. Anyway, yay! At the end we played Fruit Basket. I said we were playing it and this girl up front starts clapping and saying, "YAY!" It was awesome!

Afternoon:
5th - taught 2.1 a new lesson, went very well
6th - taught 2.2 (same new lesson ^), also went well (not AS well, but still)
- received a very nice card from Hashimoto-s
- was asked to make a short speech for the teachers (0.o)

Notes: In 2.2, I saw D giving Kanamori-s a hard time. He's often following her around and flirting with her. I asked him today, "Girlfriend?" His response? YES! LOL She's in her 50s and he is 17. (Ya there's not seriously anything going on -- he just LOVES teasing her.) Then later another boy was saying to her, "Shut up! You're crazy!" (In English) I came by and he was pointing and repeating "You're crazy! You're crazy!" So I chimed in, "I'm crazy? Thank you!" He goes, "No, no. Ann is beautiful!" Awww. Sheesh poor Kanamori-s! -- Also for my short speech I said, (I'll just give you the English) "I appreciate this school and all of you. Today is my last working day (for this year). Thank you. See you after winter break. Happy New Year!" Then they asked me if I would be going to America. I answered in English. "No, I will experience a Morioka/Japanese Christmas!" They applauded for that too.

Evening:
- got to message Jerod (and skype him for a few minutes)
- made my dinner
- watched some Parks & Rec
- showered

Notes: I still feel icky. I wanted to mail some Christmas cards tomorrow but I won't get home in time. :< I'm working late tomorrow. Still, I'm happy I get to see my Deaf students rather than go to training! (Am I allowed to say that?) Anyway, yay last day of the year (other than the half day on the 24th)!! Happy Thursday! XOXO, A

p.s. I took some pictures but I want to make a collage (of some of the trees my students drew). :) So later I will post those.

The exhaustion is overtaking me

T5B: 1) I was able to get ready fairly quickly this morning. 2) My classes went really well. 3) I got to do some reading today. 4) My students made me laugh. 5) I have only two more days until my almost break (I have to work a half day on Christmas Eve but THEN the break)!!

basal temp: 36.40

Morning:
- 83% on my sleep :/ (bad dreams)
- felt really crampy this morning
- showered and got ready fairly quickly
- I had to stand for part of the bus ride but soon got a seat (thank pod was)
1st - prepped and planned
2nd - taught 1.3, went super well
3rd - corrected worksheets, got to message Dre a little
4th - taught 1.2, went well

Notes: 1.2 made me laugh pretty hard today. We were playing Fruit Basket and one boy was fighting with a girl (nothing serious just pulling each other back) to get to a chair. Well he got there first, so S (REALLY funny kid - and so is N [the kid about to sit down]) switches seats and takes the open seat. Then the girl dashes around to the other chair. I laughed so hard. And N was like, "What the heck dude!?" At least that's what it sounded like to me in Japanese. Good times. -- In 1.3 I got a small shock. My best student was confused. I tried to explain in simple English and I hope he understood. I really value having him in class and today he seemed a little defeated. I hope he feels more like himself soon. -- Oh also during 1.2, there was a boy and a girl and one open seat. He told the girl (in Japanese), "Go ahead." Me: "Aww! That's so sweet!" Oops. The whole class laughed and this poor teenage boy blushed. Sorry kid!

Afternoon:
- lunch was good (another teacher heated my lunch up for me)
5th-7th I made corrections to the new worksheets for tomorrow, corrected another teacher's worksheets (yes I did do some grumbling to myself), corrected 1.2's worksheets
(- I counted and I've made 155 worksheets/presentations/stuffs for my schools! 0.o)

Notes: --

Evening:
- got home, made my dinner
- messaged Jerod
- printed worksheets
- read for a little bit
- watched a little Parks & Rec

Notes: I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Mine was ok. My classes went well, as mentioned, but it was a fairly melancholy (emotionally) day for me. Anyway, love you. XOXO, A

I don't know if the student was writing this to me - but awwww! :)

So apparently cold and moisture can do this... *stricken face*

Emotional Roller Coaster

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELISE!!

T5B: 1) I didn't have to teach first period. 2) My classes went ok. 3) I was able to study some Japanese. 4) I gave S (a student) a candy cane today and he was SO HAPPY. He even said, "I am SO HAPPY!" LOL It was awesome. 5) My family gave me a Christmas necklace that I wore today.

basal temp: 36.15

Morning:
- cried when I got up
- BUT had 87%, BUT woken up during REM DAAAH! Still.... 87%!!
- got ready and got out the door just in time
- cried on the bus
- cried when I got to school
1st-3rd - prepped, gathered materials for my lessons, emailed Elder Budge, planned and made another worksheet (for after the break - YAY!)
4th - studied Japanese with Oikawa-s

Notes: Everything just feels so devastating today. I HATE this. Poor Donut and I miss him, but I'm glad he passed away before my period. I don't know if I could have recovered if it happened today! Sheesh!!

Afternoon:
- lunch was great (I read a little during lunch - tried to distract myself from stressing)
5th - taught 2.4, went ok
6th - taught 1.6, with help from Hosokawa-s, it went well
7th - corrected wksts

Notes: Today's high was 6° (42.8°F). It felt hot (of course this was indoors). LOL Funny how the feeling of temperature shifts (the body is a marvelous thing). When the summer started, 25° was killer. In the middle of the summer, 25° was a relief (cooler day). Now 6° feels hot! -- I'm glad today went well. I had my two "worst" (read: least cooperative, most unwilling) classes today. So I'm glad it went well. I actually had a lot of fun with 1.6. I was making them laugh. They were making fun of me, but I chose to take no offense. (One boy imitated me in a way that was meant to be insulting but I just turned to him and said, "Wow that doesn't sound like me at all! You've got to work on your impressions." He has NO IDEA what I said, but it made it easy for me to let it go.)

Evening:
- I made and ate dinner
- made some rice for my lunches
- did a little reading
- messaged Jerod
- opened the gift I was instructed to open for today - got an adorable elf pad of paper and a pen :)
- cried a WHOLE LOT

Notes: Man today was painful - emotional, physically... I just want to give up. And I feel like this every three weeks. It feels so cruel and it just comes back and comes back without mercy. :c Anyway, hope you have a good day. XOXO, A

This is omiyage from Okinawa - it's made from red potatoes! (Not sure if the potato is sweet or not) ANYWAY, it was AMAZING - sooo delicious. And beautiful too!

Sick Day (urgh)

T5B: 1) I got to read a little bit. 2) I have a heating pad here in Japan. 3) I had some spicy yakisoba for dinner. 4) It's been cold, but so far the temperatures haven't dropped below -4 (at -8 to -10 I have to drain all my water pipes to prevent them from bursting ~ so when it forecasts -7, I will drain them [to be safe]). 5) My lessons all went well (I was REALLY worried about how they would go).

basal temp: 36.20

Forgotten story: On Sunday, I was talking to one of the new elders. We were talking about our great dislike of shopping. I told him how great Jerod is. Jerod watches me when we shop and once I hit frustration (usually around the 30 minute mark), he knows it's time to go. Nothing good will happen after that. Anything in my hands will go back on the shelves (unless it's a necessity) and off we go. [I'm VERY grateful to him for that.] In any case, at some point Elder Temanahamou walked up (his companion - oh and this elder's name is Bethea [buh-thay-ah]) and then we started speaking in French. LOL As I walked away I heard Elder Bethea say to Elder Mou (as he's called here since his name is so long), "She is SOOOO cool!" Awww! And YA I AM! ;)

Morning:
- exhausted but brought my sleep up to 83% ("restful" starts at 85% but I got out of the 70s!)
- put on my Christmas socks (and kept saying that in Rowan Atkinson's voice)
1st-3rd prepped, planned out and made a worksheet
4th - taught 3.7, went well

Notes: Thanks mom (and family) for the Christmas socks! I showed them to one student (Y - a friend of the girl who gave me a gift from Kyoto) and she said three times in a row, "Very, very cute!!" (really crampy all morning *sigh*)

Afternoon:
- lunch was good but I felt I didn't pack enough food
- really crampy still
5th - taught 2.3, they were awesome
6th - studied Japanese with Oikawa-s (Ko)
7th - taught 1.4 with Oikawa-s (Ka)

Notes: AHAHAHA My students were pretty funny about having a different teacher. I can empathize. I don't care for change. They were pretty hostile just because they're not used to the way Oikawa-s teaches. I felt badly for him as he's very gregarious and they were like, "Who ARE you!?" (essentially) Hashimoto-s is a great teacher as well but he is much more reserved whereas Oikawa-s is more like me (energetic, enthusiastic). So I think it was a little like, "We have TWO of them now!?" LOL But it was fun. -- 2.3 is such a joy to teach. Sheesh all my 3 classes (1.3, 2.3, 3.3) are just on the ball and obedient. They listen and then follow directions and we always have time to play a game to apply what we learned and I love it. That kind of smooth sailing is perfect!

Evening:
- ate some spicy yakisoba for dinner
- laid on my heating pad
- was really nauseous (had a hard time sitting up)
- just generally miserable (cancelled tutoring as well)
- it was just a rough night!

Notes: Sorry I posted late. Hope you had a good Sabbath day! XOXO, A

"Christmas socks" (Rowan Atkinson voice!)

A note from one of my girls

Another note from another girl :D

One more week

T5B: 1) I have one more week until winter break! 2) I got a ride to and from church. 3) I got to see the Christmas devotional. 4) I got to watch a little American tv today. :) 5) I got to message Jerod.

basal temp: 35.70

Morning:
- got a call from Fumie-s offering me a ride (SCORE!)
- didn't sleep well :/
- got ready for church
- church was nice, met the new missionaries (they're nice)
- messaged Jerod a little bit :)

Notes: --

Afternoon:
- choir was pretty good but I just lost a few members and we're singing next week :/ eep
- I got my temple recommend :D
- I got to skype my Maman and Papa :D
- I watched the Christmas devotional with the sister missionaries
- I got a ride home :)
- Fumie-s told me she thinks I'm a great director! I REALLY appreciated that. :)

Notes: I got asked the questions in Japanese - a little nerve wracking (temple recommend) because I wanted to make sure I was saying yes to the right questions! It was great! :)

Evening:
- I made some lunch/dinner (ate it - yum)
- watched a little TV
- got to message Jerod again!

Notes: I got some bad cramps today and I wish I had had more time at home, but I'm hoping tomorrow will go well. And also that I will get some sleep tonight. Sheesh I feel so stressed about this week. :/ Still, happy Sunday! XOXO, A

Overwhelming Awesome (with some sadness)

T5B: 1) I got to message Jerod today. 2) I got to read. 3) I got to watch AMERICAN TELEVISION!! 4) I have coconut candies from the US (Tara's package got here). 5) I cleaned a bunch today and my place looks pretty great (other than the laundry hanging up and I didn't sweep).

basal temp: 35.95

Morning:
- woke up way too early :/
- got up and showered
- doorbell rang right as I was getting dressed (eep!)
- package from Tara arrived! :D (with DVDs and candy!)
- cleaned my bathroom
- cleaned my kitchen (other than the floor)
- discovered Donut passed away :C
- started a load of laundry

Notes: Poor Donut. I think he was suffering so I'm glad he doesn't have to suffer in the cold anymore. I still cried though. Poor little guy.

Afternoon:
- after I started that load, I went to the grocery store
- FOUND GROUND BEEF!
- when I got back the laundry finished, I hung it up and started the second load
- made an AMAZING burger
- played a little guitar
- did some reading
- watched some American TV (which is great because I didn't have to rely on subtitles and I can look away without pausing - GLORIOUS!)

Notes: --

Evening:
- got to message Jerod
- made some dinner
- watched some more TV (and played games - I can't get over not having to watch the screen)
- wrote this :D

Notes: Man today was so productive and so awesome ... well most of it. Poor little Donut. I was asking around about a tank heater but I didn't get any information in time. :c In any case... now I'm the only living thing (I hope) in my apartment. Almost halfway through December though. I can do this! Also in one week my winter break/Christmas break starts. Oh I don't know if I mentioned it, but I decided against going to the year end party for Morioka Minami. I was very grateful to be invited, however it was going to cost me $80, it was across town, there would be a lot of drinking, and I still don't know THAT MUCH Japanese. So I feel torn about missing an event I won't ever see - but I feel like I would end up disillusioned and upset and freezing in the dark walking the forty minutes home alone. :/ So I'm hoping I made the right decision there. Anyway, happy Saturday! I'm looking forward to choir practice. We're practing a BEAUTIFUL arrangement of Silent Night and will be singing it on my Maman's birthday. :) (December 22) Love to you all, XOXO, A

The katsu sauce I put on my burger (sorry my pictures got messed up - this should be at the bottom :/)

Notice that it says the Japanese use sardines as FERTILIZER - so you people who think you're so sophisticated eating it.... ;) Sardines, anchovies.... EW

YAY return of pepper popcorn!! I wanted to buy a hundred bags - but I only got two. :/ Also I forgot to tell you - those sour plum chips were AWESOME.

I found ground beef!! That kanji (牛) is "cow." Go me!! It was a TINY package but it was enough for a burger!

My burger with katsu sauce and on an English muffin. It was INCREDIBLE! Those little slivers you see on the cheese are cooked fresh garlic (did my mom's style - salt, pepper, onion, garlic). SOOO good!