Yatta!!!

I am finally a whole person again!! I have done it, I passed my drivers license test! Yeaaaaaah!

(so shut up you filthy deer!)

Japanese Driving License Hell

It is that time of year! It is the season for your International Driving Permit to expire. And if you happen to be a lucky American it means that you will have to take all parts of the Japanese driver's test if you ever want to drive here again! It is not only a fun experience but a money wasting one as well. Don't get me wrong driving for 7 years should give me some sort of credit towards driving in Japan but it does not!! So what happened that would make me sound so bitter? Bitter? Who, me? Anyway, now that you are done unscrupulously labeling me I will explain.

My supervisor scheduled an appointment at the Japanese DMV. First I had to have an interview where he asked all sorts of driving and non-driving related questions. Like, "How much did you pay for driving school?" and "It says in your passport you went to Germany, why did you go there?" Then I scheduled another appointment for the actual test. I went with one of my Japanese teachers to take the test. This is good and bad, she interpreted for me but was also more anxious than I was! Then I took the test and it went awful, once being told, "Stop, Stop, Stop" by the instructor!! Damn it! So I must return and take it again. I hate having to do this. I really thought when I was 17 that I would never have to go through the anxiety of doing it again and look at me now. I was so nervous I had labored breathing, sweaty palms, it was like I was at a porn theartre!!

I hate this! I hate this! I hate this! (said screaming as I pound my hands and feet on the floor!)
And here is something I did to kill a whole Friday morning at work because the one class I had was cancelled!! Whooo! Love my job!

Home!

I had a wonderful time visiting home for two weeks. I had stayed abroad for one whole year before returning to the great state of Ohio. While there is nothing that would attract people normally to buy an expensive plane ticket to a place that could only brag of having lots of corn and cows, I need to see my friends and family. I needed some time to replenish my soul with stimulating conversation and taking naps on comfortable sofas! I love living abroad but I am glad there is always a place I can call home. Thanks family! Enjoy the pictures.


This is my newly arrived nephew Tyler Alexander!! Good job Kenny and Laura!


This is my famed roommate from college Suzanne in the Yukata I bought her!

This is some of the ladies in my family. From left to right, my sister-in-law Laura, my cousin Sarah, me!, my sister Colletta, and my cousin Heidi.
I

Mushi (bug)

What is this? It looks like an awesome crazy bug!

Seek Sack Mama

Awww, I have returned to Japan, the land with the inability not to write foolish English! Soon after arriving I decided to visit the fabulous grocery store in Kisuki called Cheriba and I stumbled upon this gem of a magazine. I asked myself, "Who wouldn't want to be a Seed Sack Mama?" I love Japan!