Friday, December 28, 2007

Dee's Top 10 Girls

I had my cards read in Thailand over the holidays. One of the things she said she saw was that I was surrounded by a lot of good people. Good people who love and care about me. Well now, I didn't need a psychic to tell me that (^_^)

So I wanted to show you who these people are. Without them, my stay here would have been downright intolerable.


#10. Kaori - Born and raised Japanese but French by heart. She's married to a gorgeous French man and speaks English with French accent. Some say she even speaks Japanese with a French accent. She is the most elegant and sophisticated lady that I know.



#9. Irene - American born Chinese. Grew up in Jersey. Soft spoken with a very calm demeanor. She incredibly focused on her work and her goals. Even with all the chaos, when you're around her you can't help but be calm. She is the most mature lady that I know.


#8. Shamim - British born Indian. The youngest daughter of an enormous Indian family and an even bigger and multicultural extended family, she's lived the experiences of a woman twice her age. She's afraid of no one and can speak to the CEO of any company just as easily as she can the bathroom maid. She's the most fearless woman I know.



#7. Sandra - Born in Korea. She's travelled to Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal and countless others all by herself. She prefers to travel alone and loves to go off the beaten track just for the fun of it. She's the most adventurous woman I know.


#6. Tomoko - Japanese rebel. Studied in Vancouver but speaks English like an LA girl. She's addicted to tattoos and hair dye. She knows what she wants and does exactly that to the horror of her parents. It's weird to say but she's the most unapologetic person I know.

#5. Esther - Hong Kong born. We lived in NY at the same time but never crossed paths until we ended up in Japan. With her by my side, we rocked out the Tokyo nightlife. Now she's returned to HK and Tokyo has never been the same. She is the friendliest person that I know.


#4. Chika - She's ready to go any time any place. I can always count on her when I want to hang out or if I just need company. She has the cutest little dance. haha. She makes me laugh so hard all the time. She is the most energetic woman that I know.


#3. Ing - Born in Indonesia, she spent her teen years in Australia and he adult life in New Zealand. Now she's here for a little while and I'm so very glad. She's a little bit too wholesome for my taste but together we have become weekend brunch experts, coffee hideout experts and odd things to do in japan experts. She's the most honest person that I know.


#2. Susan - More affectionately known as Suzie, Sushi or Su-san. Scottish girl through and through. Some people have a hard time understanding her English and I've learned a lot of cool slang from her. She's outspoken, thoughtful and understands fully the matters of the heart. She's one of my dearest confidants and the toughest woman that I know.

#1. Denisha - You've seen her picture peppered throughout this page. She's African American with Latin blood. We have lots in common but what makes our friendship great are the many many many things we do not have in common! We've shared a great deal of experiences together and, although she's relocated to Hong Kong, we haven't missed a beat. She's the most imaginative and logical person that I know.

THESE are my girls.

Friday, November 30, 2007

28 and counting

It's weird, I feel like I'm getting older faster than I'm growing up. Thankfully, I've lived a carefree adult life. But because of that, I can't help but feel a little bit self-indulgent and immature.

At my age, my mother was married, raising a 9 year old and a 5 year old, a bank manager, volunteering at the children's home and a multitude of other things. That's so amazing to me because at my age, I still don't wanna clean my room or comb my hair. Haha, where is the progress right?

So you see, in comparison, it's hard to wrap my head around my dwindling youth. Still, although my progress to being a full fledged grownup might be slow, I will continue to enjoy the journey.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!



Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Trip to Taiwan

Taiwan isn't exactly a tourist destination. When people think of visiting Asia, this isn't on the top of the list. But, since it's only a 2 hour flight from Tokyo, I had a spur of the moment impulse to hop on over and check it out.

I only saw the capital, Taipei, but I would describe it as the coupling of the Japanese and Chinese cultures (at least what I imagine Chinese culture to be). Still, whatever you do, never ever call the Taiwanese Chinese. Worst yet, never speak against Taiwan's petition to have a seat in the UN.

Outside of that, the things that I will always remember about Taiwan are,

Foot massages

Food


Snakes

Prayer

And People.


I recommend it.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Fitness Month

So what have been up to lately? Trying a little something called fitness. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into to be honest. What I imagined in my head was a lot different than the reality.

I tried my hand at Pilates. Picked up Hot Yoga. During weekdays I climbed the stairwells at work... up to 20 of the longest flights I've ever encountered! Did a few Charity Run/Walks. And went hiking up several mountains, including the most spectacular of them all - Mt. Fuji!

At times, I regretted starting this so-called Fitness Month. But at the end of it all, I'm glad I did it. I felt more accomplished after each event. I forged stronger bonds with my friends. Plus I walked away with everlasting memories.

Here are a few shots of a hard but fulfilling month!










Saturday, September 15, 2007

Simpsonize Me Dot Com

Think I got it pretty close. (^_^) What do yah think?
















Thursday, August 23, 2007

Goodbye and Good Luck

They call this the pass-through city. Not many people stay; not many people make this their home. So, you come to expect that people will leave. You expect it, but you don't like it.

I've lost a few good friends this year. But this one is particularly hard for me - my sidekick, Denny.

We were a team of explorers - practically inseparable as we became Tokyo misfits, breaking social order one rule at a time.

I've really enjoyed my stay here because of her. I had many first experiences with her. And, I uncovered a lot of things about myself around her.


She's someone that has definitely made a difference to my life. But this is a new chapter for both of us. Good luck Denny, will miss you... deeply.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Coco Winery

My mama always wanted me to be more cultured... well actually she wanted me to be more of a lot of things but that's another story. And here I am at my first visit to a vineyard and winery.
This entire estate was created by people with learning disabilities. A professor, who observed that his special needs students were doing poorly in the classroom, put them to work on a hill so that they could have skills and be useful in the society.

Over 50 years ago, they started planting simple table grapes. Today they've created what's considered to be the best vineyard and winery in Japan.


We were there to lend a helping hand in the fields. In general, grapes need to grow in dryer climates but we were in the midst of the rainy season - not good for the grapes. As a result, we had to cover the bunches with bags to protect them from mold, bugs and disease.


After all of our fine work, we received a full guided tour of the entire facilities. We learned about the wide variety of grapes, how to make wine, store it, bottle it, everything.


Then we got to sample serveral types of wine. I seem to have a liking for the cheap, sweet stuff. No Surprise there!

It's amazing all that goes into making the perfect bottle of wine.


What d'ya think of me now? Am I cultured or what?

Monday, June 25, 2007

The Upper Hand Girlfriend

A friend of mine posted this picture. It's of a store window with a self-description of the designer - the upper hand girlfriend.

Who the hell calls themselves an upper hand girlfriend? But more importantly, what is a upper hand girlfriend?

Of course, I have a theory. I think it's like being the no.1 wife, the head mistress, the leading lady... and, in Japan, this is really very common.

Japan is a man's world in so many ways and this is another example of that. Infidelity - well I don't even know if it can be labelled as such since the women seem to accept it. Having a wife and mistress, or having multiple girlfriends, or even frequenting hostess clubs... all acceptable.

Even earlier this year a friend of mine was propositioned by a handsome man. A handsome man, husband of less than one year, young and still happily married; yet, he's in the market for a mistress. Fortunately or unfortunately she relocated shortly after. But between you and me, she would have done it. Don't be surprised! You forgot I said he was handsome... (^_^)

Personally, I don't care to be a upper hand girlfriend. I'm way to selfish for that mess.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Graduation Trip

Little brother not so little anymore. This is the look of a very proud sis!


Then headed to Florida for some R&R.





Some Play




Some Delight





Some Excitement





Some Fun



Some family... (^_^)

Monday, April 30, 2007

Preventing Prevention

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm a grown-up now and that I need to take care of myself. Surely if I'm gonna be able to take care of a family someday, I need to work on this first. So, off I went for my "annual" checkups.

Even in medical technology, you can't help but be impressed with the Japanese. They are able to conduct almost a full examination without even touching a person. And somehow, they've managed to avoid that doctor's office smell that makes me anxious.

Still, examination after examination I walked away unsatisfied. What I've been observing is a peculiar policy to prevent prevention. I know it's a big statement but let me explain with this dialogue at my dental checkup.

Dr.: "are you feeling any pain or discomfort"
Dee: "no"
Dr.: "Ok, everything is fine."
Dee: "aren't you going to x-ray me?"
Dr.: "you don't have any pain, so it's not necessary."
Dee: "well, how can you tell if you don't x-ray. can you do it for me?"
Dr.: "i do not recommend it. if you experience pain please come back."
Dee: "but then it will be too late!" *grooooan

But it doesn't stop there. They don't test for HIV when you have blood tests and they don't test for any STDs with routine Pap smears either. Preventing prevention is a serious flaw in the medical system here. I just don't get it.

To me that was the equivalent of going to a Cardiologist - can you please check my heart? why, you feeling pain? no, but. well, come back when you're dead. Gee thanks! :-s

Next patient please...

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Man Candy - Japanese flavors

People always ask me about my love life here. And, every time, I have to admit that I have none.

It's not that I don't want a sample from the candy shop. It's just that I don't fancy the flavors on sale and the tasty looking ones are all sold out. So what's a girl to do? Wait for someone to come back for a refund, that's what.

"Nah Dee, you're just being picky."

Take a look for yourself then. Here's a menu sample:

- Salary man flavor- this is the name given to the stereotypical Japanese office worker. They seem to be stuck in a time dimension of the 1980's (pre-bubble) - big eyeglasses, high waisted and round hair. But, outside of their appearance, they drink too much, stay out too late, and without a chivalrous bone in their bodies.

- Pretty boy flavor - you haven't seen a pretty boy until you've seen a Japanese pretty boy. Sure, they are a delight to look at but I'm instantly turned off by the waxed eyebrows, flipped hairdo and handbag... ahhem I mean manbag. They walk a fine line between metrosexual and homosexual and I don't like it.

- Shibuya boy flavor - Shibuya is the name of a shopping area here but there's no other way to classify them. They march to the beat of a different drum. With wildly teased hair, extremely brown tans (some accomplished using makeup foundation ), and kind of grunge fashion style, they are just a little too hip for my ship.

So you see, I clearly don't have many options. I opened up the M&M bag of Japan and someone picked out all the yummy red ones! Bum!

Friday, February 02, 2007

Love your own company


Transferring here as a single woman is difficult in ways I had not anticipated.

I expected to encounter the gender barriers I read about in my business class. Didn't happen.
I expected to encounter racial barriers. For me, no issues.
Barriers in making friends. Nope.
Language barriers. Not a big deal.

My greatest struggle here has been connectedness - having that someone close by who I can share my experiences and frustrations without restrictions. Given my history of sometimes isolating myself, THIS I didn't anticipate.

I've identified the different states of mind people in similar situations might go through. First, you're excited about not knowing anyone and living a new life. But eventually you enter homesickness. Then you go through various levels of self discovery.

Suddenly, you're so tuned in to your likes and dislikes. Things you never realised about yourself are more evident now. It's really refreshing actually.

But still, periodically, there are bouts of loneliness. And, in order to get over that, you need to find that place within yourself where you can truly enjoy your own company.

Before, I "isolated" myself by choice. Now, I have no choice except to Love My Own Company.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Visit from the Island Boy

It took over 1 year, but I finally got my first visitor - my brother.


He tried most any food I threw at him,


And really got into the culture.


It was great being able to share my world with someone.

Still, we had many first time experiences together.

He was amazed at how big Japan really is.

We insisted on blending in with the locals,

And show some patriotism.

Oh, we had the time of our lives.


He was totally satisfied...

Until next time --> Jah Nay