Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A Note on Playing Favorites...

Today I learned a couple lessons about myself. One being that I play favorites! I've always kind of denied it but today it was pretty obvious. However, I don't feel bad about it. I think it's normal, and I know my fellow teachers can agree. I'm sure we are all taught not to play favorites but we all have them!

Well, my favorite (by a landslide) is a two year old, boy by the name of Ototake Aoi. We are the best of buds, at least in my eyes. We play together everyday and he's very enthusiastic about English.  I think I could go as far as saying that I love this kid as though he was my own!



Well, today we reached a turning point in our relationship. I realized that he was using me to throw tantrums. Meaning, the other teachers would get upset with him and he'd start crying. So, instead of trying to calm himself down, he would come to me with tears in his eyes, his bottom lip hanging out, and his arms up as for me to pick him up...and I would. Another thing I learned: I baby the kids!

This all got way out of hand! He kept taking advantage of my kind-heartedness and every time he would slightly get scolded he would burst into tears and come looking for me. The worst was during snack time. The kids gather around their tiny tables and wait for all the kids to finish changing out of their pajamas from nap time.  Aoi decided that he was going to throw a fit and only wanted to sit with me, since he was having a fit. I kept telling him that he needed to sit with everyone else by himself, but he wasn't having it. So the head teacher, Muchan-sensei, pushed him away and told him that he could sit with me but that he couldn't have his snack, which in turn made me feel bad. He then got even more upset. I didn't know what to do. So Muchan-sensei distracted him while I dashed to the other end of the table. He cried a little more but was able to calm himself down and join everyone else once I left his side. It was at this moment that I realized, I need to help make him more independent no matter how much I LOVE the attention!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Christmas Decorations

Here are the Christmas decorations we put up today!



My foot

Sadly, after yesterday's post, when I was heading to the supermarket I tripped down the bottom steps of my apartment stairs and did something to my foot. I don't think it's broken, since I can walk on it but I may have busted something else. I, also, don't think it's anything serious, so don't worry too much. I'm still going to try and run tomorrow. We'll see how far I last.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

It's Official...

I have lost over 20 lbs., which makes me only 15 lbs. from my first goal weight! I feel so happy for myself that I wanted to share it with everyone. As most of you know, I've been struggling with my weight loss for quite some time. I was working out everyday but I wasn't losing the weight.  Everything was getting slimmer except my belly, and maybe it was denial but I couldn't figure out the problem. So, I took a step back and looked at my diet. I started looking around for some great low-calorie foods and stumbled across Eating Well's 28-day Weight Loss Meal Plan. It's great because it teaches me delicious, healthy recipes and I don't have to plan any of my meals! Plus, it's been working for me! Of course, you have to remember that just eating a low-calorie diet is not going to make you lose weight. You have to exercise too! In fact, today I am going to try and run my first 5K! Wish me luck and good luck to all of you who are trying to lose weight too!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Thanksgiving

I want to wish all my friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving! I wish I could be there to share the festivities with you!

Here in Japan, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving. I don't even get the option of making a Thanksgiving meal, unless I want to spend an arm and a leg importing everything I would need. It's so strange for me to think that several of my students have never even tried turkey. We don't even think about things like that, but they don't have that kind of meat here. I am hoping to make a Christmas honey-glazed ham, though. It's just not Christmas without it!

Anyway, I love and miss all of you!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

No Pictures

I noticed that I haven't posted many pictures lately! I'll get on that. I hope to get our Christmas tree decorated tomorrow, so looking forward to that!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Take care of yourself...

If there is one thing that I can't seem to learn, it would be to take care of myself. I am constantly going and moving that I don't think to stop and rest. Then I end up getting burned out and getting way behind on everything. That is also the time that I usually stop working out for several weeks.

 So, I've been running/exercising everyday for the past two weeks and today it all caught up with me. I could barely get out of bed, but I went to work for a few hours and took the rest of the day off (it also doesn't help that I have a head cold)! I still feel exhausted but am hoping to feel better tomorrow, so I can run again!

Oh, and by the way, I bought two Lonely Planet books today! I'm really excited, plus I got to feed my need to shop!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

I Just Need to Shop...

As I sit in my bed, this morning, surfing the internet all I can do is find things that I want to buy. It's tough though because I can't buy anything. We are currently saving money for Christmas gifts. So, I guess I should quit before I do something stupid!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Super Arc

As some of you know, I moved to a new apartment last February because my last apartment was way too small and poorly located for my job. Anyway, one reason I picked this new apartment (after looking at about 10) was because it's 5 min. from work, across from a 7-11 (which has our bank atm), and next door to Homac, Tsuruha (drug store), and Fukuhara (supermarket). It may be true that our apartment has it's trouble, since it was built in 1984, but the size and location makes everything else seem small. And since I don't drive, being next to a drug store and supermarket was key.

So, you'd understand my utter shock when I got an email from my husband telling me that Fukuhara had been closed! I couldn't believe it. In fact, I made him drive me by just to prove it to me. There it was, covered in green netting and surrounded by work vans. BUT, I thought, maybe they are just remodeling...

Well, they were remodeling, but not Fukuhara, rather a brand-new supermarket! Now, I'm not one to get so excited about a new supermarket but it made me so excited for several reasons.

1. I still have a supermarket next door to me.
2. It only took a week to remodel.

In fact, it opened today! I went to see what it was all about, which leads to my next few reasons to love my new Super Arc grocery store!

3. Much bigger store, which means, more food options!
4. They have hamburger buns! Which probably sounds lame but you can't find them anywhere here! I bought two bags!
5. The incredible alcohol selection. I'm actually not much of a liquor drinker but it's nice to have variety!
6. They have a chef in the store that cooks daily specials!

The list can go on and on! I just wanted to share my joy of a new supermarket with the world! YAY!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

What to say?

I haven't been very good at this everyday thing. I did pretty good for awhile but when I find myself with nothing to say...I have nothing to type. For the next couple weeks my life will be pretty boring because I have to English programs to prepare for and when I get home late at night, the last thing I want to do is blog. I'll try to be better though...promise!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Storm Clouds

I meant to post this yesterday but for some reason I didn't, so here it is now...

<Knock on wood before I write this> We have been so lucky this year! We haven't had any snow yet. For Hokkaido, this is not normal. Usually, by now, we are at least ankle deep (if not, knee deep) in snow by now. We have had rain and some crazy storm clouds!


I took this yesterday from our apartment. One side of the sky was bright and cheerful, and the other side was this! Crazy!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Logic Puzzle

One of my students gave me a puzzle on Tuesday and I've been sharing it with everyone. So, I thought why not share it with everyone on my blog, too. Here goes...

You have three buckets: one 10L bucket, one 7L bucket, and one 3L bucket. There is 10L of water in the 10L bucket. The other two are empty. With no other measuring devices, how can you transfer water between the buckets to end up with 5L in the 10L bucket and 5L in the 7L bucket.

Post me your answers. Good Luck!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Catch up

In a country with their own fashion trends and femininity found everywhere (even with the men), I feel like I'm constantly playing catch-up. I always feel frumpy, even when I try to look "fashionable". My whole life I've been labeled a tomboy, but now that I want to change that image, I feel I don't have the tools to do so on my own. What to do? What to do?

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Santa Lives in Finland?

Well, to be honest, I had a rough day today and I was going to get on here and just release all my built up frustration from the day. Instead, I got home to find pork and beans cooking in our new cooker


and after reading my best friend's blog, I no longer felt the need to rant. I thought it would be funnier to talk about my class tonight.

Did you know that in Japan, they are taught to believe Santa Claus lives in Finland? Finland? Not that there is anything wrong with Finland but Santa clearly does not live there. Apparently, one of my students (an adult, mind you) was telling me about when she went to Finland and got to meet "THE REAL" Santa. She had her picture taken and everything. My jaw dropped and I couldn't help but start laughing. I didn't know which was funnier, Santa living in Finland or how excited she was about having had her picture taken with Santa. 

Well, she's supposed to bring the pictures next week, so I'll take some pictures of them and see what you all think! 

Monday, November 8, 2010

Just Another Manic Monday...

Actually, Mondays aren't so bad. They are just the day before my longest two days. I ran 3K again today and then had my calligraphy lesson.

I've been studying Japanese calligraphy for the last two years. I really enjoy it so I thought I would share some of my work with you.


My most recent pieces...

These three have been in art shows here in Kitami...

Sunday, November 7, 2010

There's a Time Difference!

I just realized that my post times are on American time. So, my last post was meant for November 6th (my friend's birthday), which it was in Japan, but Blogger dated it at November 5th. I'll have to keep that in mind the next time I want to do a date specific blog!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

My Bestie's Birthday!

Today is my best friend's birthday, Ms. Bailey Ann DeReus! I thought since I couldn't be there to celebrate with her, seeing how I live in Japan and her in the states, I would dedicate an entire blog entry to her! I would tell some stories but some of the best are inappropriate for this family friendly blog. I will say though that she is one of the most amazing people I know! She has been through so much with me and never gave up on me (even when she maybe needed to). She is not only one of my best friends but a member of my family! I love you to pieces, Bailey! Wish I could be there!


Friday, November 5, 2010

Vices

We've all got them but do we do with them? We really only have two choices...continue or stop. Well, I have recently decided to make a true effort to quit my vices and live a happier and healthier life.

The big question now is, what to do with the extra time? My whole schedule has changed and my habits. I need to make new ones, so I've decided to start baking again. I've always loved baking but slowly did less and less. Now I want to do more and more, so I'm going to try baking something new everyday until Christmas or so. Wish me luck!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Pesto Lasagna with Spinach & Mushroom


I had a request for this recipe so here it is...

4 cups torn spinach
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup pesto
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
1 (15 oz) carton fat-free ricotta cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1 (26 oz) jar fat-free tomato-basil pasta sauce
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Cooking spray
1 (8 oz) package precooked lasagna noodles


1. Steam spinach, covered 3 minutes or until spinach wilts. Drain, squeeze dry, and coarsely chop. Combine spinach, mushrooms, ad pesto in a medium bowl, and set aside.
2. Combine mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, ad egg in a medium bowl, stirring well. Stir in 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and set aside. Combine pasta sauce and tomato sauce in a medium bowl. 
3. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce mixture in bottom of a 6-quart oval electric slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Arrange 3 noodles over pasta sauce mixture, and top with 1 cup cheese mixture and 1 cup spinach mixture. Repeat layers once, ending with remaining 1 cup spinach mixture; top with remaining cheese mixture ad 1 cup pasta sauce mixture. Place 3 noodles over sauce mixture; spread remaining sauce mixture over noodles. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on LOW 5 hours or until done. Yield: 8 servings.


Calories: 398 (41% from fat); Fat 18.2g; Protein 22.2%; Carb 38.5%


All credits for this recipe goes to Cooking Light: Five Star Recipes

****

Substitutions for those in Japan:
(This is, at least, what I did...)

Pesto - Basil Pasta Sauce
Part-skim mozzarella cheese - 1 pkg. big mozzarella ball
Provolone cheese - thinly shredded cheese (you can find at the supermarket)
Ricotta cheese - cottage cheese
NO egg
Tomato-basil pasta sauce - any kind of PIZZA sauce (not spaghetti sauce)
Tomato sauce - tomato puree
*Also, I didn't use a slow cooker, but rather a shallow baking dish in my toaster oven.

If you have any questions/comments/concerns, let me know!

Running is hard!

My whole life I never thought I could run long distance but this last summer I decided I was going to run. Some of you may understand that one day when you wake up, take a hard look at yourself in the mirror, and realize "Wow! I'm not a size 8 anymore"! Well that moment is what inspired me to start running.

When I first met my husband, I had just lost about 40 pounds due to a bad breakup and was looking pretty good. I had gone from a size 14 to almost a size 8. I felt good! Then I met my husband...and I started getting (dun dun dun) comfortable. Now you have to understand that my husband has a smaller stature. In fact, he's been working out to get bigger. So, he eats ALL THE TIME and he can eat whatever he wants and not gain weight. I know, right? Well, long story short, I was no longer my almost size 8. I had managed to gain all my weight back and was looking at a size 14 pant once again.

So, I started working out...kinda. I would go really good for a couple weeks and then get lazy. I kept getting frustrated because I wasn't losing weight as fast as I wanted. You know, I workout a couple days and turn into a supermodel. Is that too much to ask? Well, apparently it is! Needless to say, we went back to the states for the holidays and I thought, what diet? Then on our trip back to Japan, we stopped in Thailand for a week.

For some reason I felt pretty good about myself and my body, but then I looked at the pictures. I hadn't lost any weight!?! That is when I had to be honest with myself and confront my laziness. I had become that "big girl" again.

It was then and there that I made the decision to be more dedicated to me and my diet/exercise. So I've been working out and keeping a diet pretty regularly and have lost 15 pounds (since April). I'm very close to my first goal weight and I hope to run a half marathon by next spring.


I've still got about 20 more pounds to my final goal but at least I've already lost two pant sizes. 

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Holiday...Celebrate

Today I was off work for Culture Day. Apparently it's just a day to appreciate Japanese culture. I'm not sure that there is anything special people do on this day but we just relaxed. We did get out, though, to get my monthly dose of sushi. It was so busy. Busier than I've ever seen before. While we were sitting in the waiting area, my husband noticed that a giant poster for the YMCA was hanging on the wall displaying a rather large picture of yours truly. I was just praying nobody noticed. Luckily, I got out without being spotted.

Tonight I only eight about 10 plates of sushi (15 being my record) and some vanilla pudding.


It was in this jar type bottle and looked a bit like milk. Luckily, I was able to read the napkin and understand it was pudding but my husband didn't read it yet and thought I was crazy. The whole thing reminded us of when we first moved here and everything was a trial and error process. We'd go to the grocery store and choose things that had English writing on it or looked familiar. Many times we had to learn the hard way not to eat certain things. I think the most embarrassing moment for us was at a local restaurant, "The Western" (ironically), where there is a buffet of raw meat that you cook at your table on a hibachi grill. Anyway, I loaded my plate with everything that looked like beef or chicken to later learn that nothing I had chosen was beef or chicken. Rather, I had eaten intestines, colon, and marrow. They weren't terrible but not what I had expected. Actually, now I eat those items, no problem.

*****

Once we got home, I got the baking itch. So, I decided to make my first apple pie and since I'm trying to lose weight, I wanted a "healthy" apple pie. I went to two different websites but pretty much merged the two recipes together to make my own. Now I'm not sure the calories but between the two, I'm guessing one slice would be around 150 calories. Here's a picture...


If anyone is interested, I could put up the recipe on a later blog. Well, I think I have taken up plenty of your time. I'll see you tomorrow!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Blog Everyday?

So apparently there is this "thing" going around for bloggers. It's National Blog Posting Month, so we bloggers must blog (or, at least try) to blog everyday.

Shouldn't be too hard...but let's see how I feel about that in a couple weeks. Or even the end of the week.

Here's hoping!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Halloween

Now with Halloween over, I move on to my busiest month of November. It is also the month in which the snow comes, but won't think of such horrible things quite yet. Here are some pictures of my Halloween...














I don't have very good pictures from the party in Asahikawa but plenty of the kids! Enjoy!