My psychological wellness blog. Consider it a dissertation in the works.
Ask me anything
September 22, 2011
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April 27, 2011
DSC_0092 on Flickr.
Seth, Eddie, Peter, and Charles,
From Tokyo with love.
A few seconds after this photo was taken, it started raining pretty heavily. So we took refuge at a bar, aka izakaya, on the 8th floor of a building, from where we could see the park strewn with pink trees in the distance. We were about to make a toast, mug in hand, when the entire building started shaking heavily. Hanging light fixtures were swaying, utensils dropped to the floor, and even some of our beer was spilt. The waiter jumped out of the kitchen, ran to us in a panic and asked if we were okay.
“daijobu desu? daijobu desu?”
“hai, daijobu desu.”
Once the shaking had calmed down a bit, (because when you’re on the 8th floor, the building will sway for a while after the initial quake) we picked up where we left off and toasted to “surviving another one”.
In the last month and a half that I’ve been in Japan, something like this has happened at least once a week. By the end of the year, I think I would have become completely desensitized to cataclysm.
April 27, 2011
DSC_0071 on Flickr.
Hanami aka Sakura blossom viewing, is a big deal in Japan. Sure it’s a nice sight to take in, but I can’t help but think it’s just another excuse for people to drink and parade in public. I’m not complaining though, because that’s exactly what we did.
April 1, 2011
April 1, 2011
But doesn’t it look so cozy? These mats, aka futons, were waiting for us at the training center in Saitama, from which we were evacuated shortly after the earthquake.
I’ve more or less settled in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo and have been living in my luxurious 9 ft x 10 ft apartment which even comes complete with a conjoined bathroom/kitchen thing. It’s an interesting living situation I have here; nothing more and nothing less than what I need to simply get by. It’s also unbelievable how thin the walls of the apartments in Japan are. I can literally hear my neighbor giggling to her Japanese comedy program on TV.
Shimokitazawa is an area known for it’s bohemian charm, but I’m sad to say that I haven’t had the time to explore this immediate area yet. I’ve only a sparse understanding of what it might be, based on miniature journeys to find convenient stores and places for lunch during my work breaks.
This entire post was just a quick rambling written during one of those mentioned work breaks, because I thought I’d spend this time to assure you that I’m still alive and well. And that life in Tokyo isn’t as bad as the media is portraying it to be, although it is still pretty hard to find drinking water for sale. Gomen nasai, I’m sorry. And until this weekend, sayonara ya’ll.
March 21, 2011
March 16, 2011
Surreality
As Olivia from Chicago was about wrapping up her demo lesson, the earth started shaking violently for what felt like a good 5 minutes. Some of us clenched to desks, while others ducked underneath tables. When the shaking ceased, we all looked at each other and just sorta nervously laughed it off. It wasn’t until all training had stopped and we turned to the news that we realized just how serious this whole thing was. Apparently, in a matter of a few minutes, the island of Japan itself had moved 4.3 meters from its original position.
I’m currently sitting on a bullet train, going roughly 180mph south, where in about 3 hours I’ll arrive at my destination. And yes, Japan’s bullet trains have wireless internet on them. This trek down the length of Japan from Saitama to Okayama is a precautionary move against nuclear radiation contamination because yet another nuclear power plant exploded this morning. With heightened concerns among the trainees, we are being evacuated, although upper management refrains from calling it that.
Most of the fellow trainees don’t seem to bothered by the whole situation right now anyway. They’re either just excited to be excused from training for the second day in a row, or simply too hung over to care. But hey, I don’t blame them.
It’s loved ones back at home that we’re all mostly concerned about, knowing they’re subjugated to the exaggeration of the media. To say that training isn’t what I’d expected it to be would be a huge understatement.
I talked to my mom recently and she made it pretty clear that she wants me out of Japan ASAP, either by coming home or taking refuge in Korea for a bit. But I told her all that seemed a bit dramatic, and that I am perfectly safe where I am. But some of the other trainees thought otherwise, because 3 of them left Japan yesterday. There are now 16 of us.
My mom also jokingly mentioned that she’s mostly worried about the future generation of Ryu’s, and not me per se. I couldn’t help but laugh. I just hope none of my kids are born into the world glowing neon green or with webbed feet…
March 10, 2011
Ohayo
I’ve officially touched down in Tokyo and have been taking in the sights and sounds of this foreign country with awe. Just walking down the street to get groceries is a trip but I know this excitement won’t last too long. I’m on a honeymoon with this country at the moment.
I will be in Tokyo soon, at my apartment, where I will have a more stable internet connection. Then I will be able to upload photos of the things I see, but probably mostly of the food that I eat here. It is amazing, and to be frank, I love eating. Everything and anything. And yes, there really is sushi everywhere here.
Despite my packed training schedule, this morning I went on an exploratory jog around the neighborhood that I am situated at for the next two weeks. The therapeutic effects of running truly knows no national boundaries! Sticking to what I know works for me, just in case Culture Shock decides to set in earlier than expected. But I’m not even thinking that far ahead.
Good day ya’ll!
March 4, 2011
March 4, 2011
So, this page caught my eye when I was reading People Magazine. This couple right here is Allen & Violet Large.Allen is 75 & Violet is 78. They met in 1964. Ever since 1983, they have purchased two lottery tickets every week. Last year, Violet called the lottery hotline to check out the winning numbers, & turns out they won. They won $11.2 million dollars. & guess what they did with it? They donated it all to doctors, their own country, family. & kept none for themselves.
They say they are content with their ‘87 Dodge Diplomat Suburban & their 148 year old Victorian home,
Here’s a quote from Violet near the end:
” Money can’t buy happiness.” ” We have everything we need; I have Allen and he has me.”
What is money to a life that is already enriched- marked by contentment for the experiences and people you already have in your life? Not as important obviously! This is inspiring.
(via gthegentleman)
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