Golden Week - funtastic

This past week was the Golden Week holiday in Japan. It's called Golden Week because it's 4 national holidays all crammed within a week's period. If the stars align alright, most people can get most of the week off of work and essentially take an entire week off of work. However, Golden Week or just GW is one of the busiest times of the year. Most people will travel during this time, over the summer holiday in August, and during New Year's. Prices on flights and hotels will double in price and the waits in lines increase ten-fold because everyone in Japan is basically moving around.

This past GW, I had the chance to take Thursday off which was not a holiday and go to Mt. Fuji and visit Fujikyu Highland, Japan's most famous amusement park! It's not nearly as large as Six Flags Great America, but it's got a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji in the background. They have only 4 major rollercoasters, but they are fun enough to make up for anything. In the picture below, you can see Mt. Fuji in the background of some of the rollercoasters. We went on a very clear and sunny day, so we had a great view and the sun was shining bright. However, it began to rain a little bit later during the day, but overall, it was a great day and we were able to ride everything we wanted to!

The next day, we did some sightseeing around Mt. Fuji and a lake called "Kawaguchiko." This is one of the most famous lakes around the mountain with some of the most beautiful views. Well, take a look for yourself below...

So, this was a nice and relaxing trip to the mountain where we had some great weather and great times.

As of recently, I also began taking Japanese lessons from a local tutor who also teaches some of my friends around the area. I am aiming to take the JLPT N2 level this July and pass this time! 3rd time's a charm, right?! Haha, well I sure hope so! I don't want to sit through that test any more than I need to! I truly do feel that after starting the lessons, I have learned so much and am able to read more kanji than ever. I still have a lot of work, but the studying and lessons are really paying off. In addition, my tutor is helping me with job hunting preparation and resume writing in Japanese. Japanese business writing is a whole other beast in itself and will only come with practice and time.

Well, I have some studying and practice, but I am making progress slowly. On another note, my niece has been going through chemotherapy sessions for the past 4-5 months and has been in and out of the hospital. I haven't been able to see her in person, but through Skype and pictures, she looks like she's doing well and sticking it out. For only being 1 year old, she's super tough and laid back. I know she is on the road to slow recovery and continue to pray for her.

This week has been busy as our sister school in Wisconsin is here to visit for the week. This morning we had the welcoming ceremony and tour around the city, so I went around with them translating and helping out. It sure is challenging to switch between the two languages and translate on the spot, but it's actually really fun. If I expand my Japanese vocabulary, I think I could do a lot better. But with the words and phrases I know now, it's enough to get by and do the job. Well, the rest of this week will be packed with activities, ceremonies, and parties, so I'll be keeping busy!

2013...New Year's Resolutions

2013...later this year will mark 3 years in Japan. I've been here for about 2 and a half years now...and it's crazy to think that I have been here for this time. Time flies by so quickly and I've accomplished so much, yet feel like there are so many things to do yet. Late last year, I got engaged and things quickly changed since then.

I have my work cut out for me this year. It will be a jam packed but fun year with lots of change and challenges. I told my BOE a couple weeks that I was not intending to re-contract, to which they were disappointed. I felt bad, but I need to make the decision for my best interest. As much as I enjoy the people I work with and the working environment, it's time for me to continue to move forward in my life. I plan on moving to the Tokyo/Yokohama area after I finish my contract on JET. I will also hopefully have found a new job to start shortly thereafter. I would preferably like to find a job in the marketing/business field. I will also be marrying my best friend and lover in October! Talk about a fun filled year!

I hope that as I have these goals written down, it will help me to be accountable for them and stick to accomplishing them. I also found out recently that my little niece is going to be battling some difficult treatment for AML for the next few weeks and months. All my prayers go out to her and my sister's family. I wish I could be at home to support them and be with them during this difficult time. But I know that they will be able to go on with their strength and support of the people around them. 2013 will be a busy one!