Saturday, June 13, 2009

A whole lot of nothing


Recently I've been working about twice the number of hours I prefer due to some people being on leave. It has been a little rough and is really cutting into my computer time and social schedule. I think I've had to turn down the last 4 or 5 invites from friends because of working on the weekends. Anyway, enough complaining. I just wanted to let you all know why there hasn't been as many posts. Despite all the work, I have done a few things this week, like:
getting a haircut, teaching English, setting up a play date for Rana that was cancelled due to rain, and being the point of contact for the International Lock In Planning Committee for work.

So far I LOVE my haircut. I waited way too long between cuts and the other one had gotten ratty and looked really uneven. I went to a new lady who is from the mainland and has worked in salons in Tokyo and London. She speaks great English (a huge relief when you're getting your hair cut) and gives a great massage when washing your hair. At one point she reminded me that I'm not a typical girl. Here's the conversation that took place while she was blow drying my hair (imagine the low hum of the dryer in the background):

Yukari: So, when you're drying your hair...

Me: I don't own a blow dryer.

Yukari: You don't know how to...?

Me: No, I don't own a blow dryer.

(turns off hair dryer - the salon is now silent)

Yukari: What?

Me: I don't own a blow dryer.

Complete silence; I think something has been lost in translation so I motion while I say:

I don't have a blow dryer.

Yukari: No blow dryer at home?

Me: Uh, no.
She turns the blow dryer back on and gives up on giving me pointers.
Luckily, she gave me a good enough cut that it air dries well.

Here's a picture of 2 of the 4 ladies I teach English, Takako and Michiko:


So, I put a personal ad on a website for Rana. I'm not trying to find her a boyfriend, just a playmate. She's got a lot of energy and is sick of just having me to play with. Apparently other people are looking for playmates for their dogs too because within hours I got 5 responses. I set up a date with a great dane, a german shepherd, and a shepherd mix for Friday morning. Rana was going to be the smallest of the 4 weighing in at a measly 58 pounds. However, it was not meant to be. It started pouring on Thursday evening and basically didn't stop until Saturday evening. We've all agreed to get together once the weather takes a turn. Here's what a dog looks like when she doesn't get to go on a play date:

Pitiful, huh?

In August the Youth Center hosts an International Lock In where Okinawan and American kids get together for some cultural exchange and some fun. I found out this week that I'm the point of contact and that there was a planning committee meeting this Saturday. I selected some kids from the Youth Center and we met at a restaurant owned by one of the Okinawan kid's parents for lunch and an idea exchange. We had a cold noodle dish, something they said is a common summer meal here in Okinawa because it is refreshing. Here are some pictures of the kids playing some games.

All of the girls loved the blonde boy in our group. There was much whispering, giggling, and they all crowded around him. He is a very sweet boy and was definitely embarrassed by all the attention. This last picture is the back of the shirt of one of the little girls:

It reads "It is very important that I experience wonderful love. Do you have a fantastic love now?" Japanese shirts crack me up.

I only have one more crazy hour work week left and then I'll be back to my normal schedule. Hopefully, then I'll be able to blog some more.

9 comments:

Charity said...

Your hair looks great and Rana looks pitiful!

Heather Hansen said...

I LOVE the hair!!!!!!!!!!!!! You need to get me her number!

And Rana looks as pitiful as Bekah does when she doesn't get a coffee date!

Chris and Amy Hart said...

Love your new cut! It looks great!

And, aren't we all looking for wonderful love?

Unknown said...

Love your hair. Rana looked really put out. I hope she gets to go on her date soon.

Kristina Muzzey said...

I agree, your hair does look fabulous! I wish we lived closer too! BTW - I love reading about your adventures, you are such a go-getter! I knew we became friends for a reason. :-)

Chris and Amy said...

Love the hair honey. Miss you guys. LOOK AT THAT DOG'S FACE!

Mary and Sean said...

The hair cut is really cute! I'm thinking of going that short soon too...thanks for stopping by our blog! You certainly look like you're having fun here, and I love that you seem to be integrated with locals...I teach English too and do some things with kids here, so I always feel other ESL teachers are kindred spirits!

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