The weather has really started to cool off over the last week and we've had a few really nice days with blue skies and puffy white clouds. So on Sunday afternoon I decided to talk a stroll around our neighborhood to check it out. While the houses are ridiculously close together (I saw two neighbors talking to each other from their 2nd story windows and they could have literally passed something to each other because they were so close), there are some that are really beautiful. I've really started to figure my way around (driving and walking) and I'm enjoying exploring our new area.
Last night, while I was sleeping, I woke up because the house was shaking. It didn't take too long to realize it was an earthquake, and I actually said outloud "Oh, it's an earthquake" even though there isn't anyone hear to confirm it for me! I wasn't scared at all (I know, I know... you don't believe me) but it was 2:55am and by the time I woke up and realized what it was...it was over. I looked it up (you can too!) on the US Geological Association's website and it was a 4.9 magnitude about 30km outside of Tokyo. I was super impressed with myself for 1. not freaking out (I didn't even get out of bed) and 2. recognizing what it was. Though...it must not have been too impressive to anyone else...no one else here even noticed it. Everyone slept right through it!
I started teaching English tonight! It was my first class...and it was just like the first day of school. I was really prepared and organized...but of course, still nervous. All went well though...the class was actually 3 separate classes. My first class from 4-5pm is 3rd graders. Second class 5-6pm is 5th graders and the last class from 6-7pm is two 8th grade girls. I teach grammar (yikes) and conversational skills. There is another Japanese woman there (this is a business she runs out of our house) who speaks English and she co-teaches with me. I really enjoyed it. I made 12,000 yen for the class (with the exchange rate today it is about $142USD). Not too shabby for 3 hours of minimal work. I brought the kids Fruit Roll Ups from the commissary and the teachers asked if I had a few extra for them! They loved it. I think the Keebler M&M cookies I have for next week are going to blow their minds...
I've also been working into the wee hours of the night planning our next BIG trip. You know Nick and I usually take a long vacation once a year...in recent years we've gone to Europe and Hawaii...well...when in Asia...do as the Asian's do (or the ex-Pats living in Asia)...and head to Thailand! We're headed there for two weeks in November once Nick gets home from deployment. We will be headed to Khao lak a quiet beach area just south of Phuket (less touristy than Phuket) for one week. I was able to get us an amazing deal by getting us the military/govt. rate for a suite for the week!!! After that we head to Koh Samui for our 2nd week. There, we're staying at the Sandalwood Luxury Villas! I know...just the name makes me sound spoiled...just wait until you see pictures of this place... It was rated as the #1 hotel on TripAdvisor for Koh Samui...and we're reeeeally excited for that one.
I hope everyone is continuing to do well over there. I of course miss you all and hope to hear from you soon. Our MagicJack broke :( ...it still works through the computer...but I can't use the phone with it anymore for some reason...so I might look into a Vonage line...or try to figure out how to fix it (though I already tried once w/ MagicJack live help...no luck). I'll keep you posted though.
Miss you!
Love,
Janelle
Here are the pictures of my walk around our neighborhood. Zama City, Japan http://gallery.me.com/nickjanellehampton#100163
No comments:
Post a Comment