I'm Sick

I have gotten sick FOUR TIMES since I have been in Japan. ugh. The last two times have actually been back to back. I was sick the Thursday before last and have been trying to recover ever since BUT got sick AGAIN this past Thursday. My JHS actually asked me to go home and rest...I had a fever =( I am still sick, though feeling better than I was Thursday or Friday of this week. I really wish I were in America dealing with my illness. In Japan EVERY illness is a doctor visit illness. I don't WANT to go see a doctor here, especially since they speak Japanese and I speak English, it's just another frustration I don't want to deal with ESPECIALLY when I am sick. In America I could just pop on over to the nearest CVS or Wallgreens or whatever and buy some over the counter medicine and that be it. It would not require a 30 plus minuet ride ONE WAY only to become frustrated that they don't use western medicines and the doses of drugs are not what I am used to...because that is what I get in Japan. SIGH. Being sick away from home is hard. I have a piece of home since my husband is with me. I honestly would be at a loss if he weren't with me. But I still miss the comforts of home.

On a different topic. I got to go on a fun ski trip with lots of other young foreigners living in my prefecture in Japan a few weeks ago. I didn't actually go skiing. I have never skied before so I didn't want my first time to be in Japan where if I hurt myself I would be in a Japanese hospital (heard too many horror stories). But I had a lot of fun just talking with people. It made me miss my friends from home. I miss nerding out and I got to do just that. =)

Happy New Year!

2009 is here now. I am amazed with how much has happened in the past year. My life has changed quite a bit. I am married now, that wasn't the case this time last year. and, oh yeah, I am living in Japan. Daily life has changed dramatically for me over the past year. I have three big things on my to-do list for 2009:
1- celebrate my 1st wedding anniversary
2- visit the US for a few weeks- most likely during the summer
3- get in shape!- since moving to Japan I have lost all my strength- I used to be able to do sit-ups and push-ups--I need to exercise.

Now, on a completely different note, here are some pictures! (admit it! that is why you are really reading this! =P )



Mixxie up Matt's shirt sleeve. eewww. =P

This is Mixie. She is the hamster Matt and I (mostly matt)are looking after while our neighbor is away. Mixxie likes crawling through tubes...its fun. I get to play with her without havint to touch her. =)

I am wearing my new winter coat I bought because my other coat is just not enough for winter here. After two days inside, due to lots of snow and icy roads, I was happy to be walking around near our house.

The roads were STILL icy two days after the snow fall. This road is covered in ice. We did not drive for a while.

Oh! one last thing! My mom suggested I mention SparkPeople It is a great website (and FREE) for those who are looking for help and support in their weight loss or fitness efforts. I would have to say it is the best site out their right now. Check it out. =)