Gotsa move

I'm surrounded by undoubtedly the loudest talkers around. Loud enough for me to hear their entire telephone conversation. And there is no end, one ends and another begins...endless one sided conversations that I can't block out of my mind.

Have to get a confirmation tomorrow on the cube that I have an eye on...these ppl are driving me NUTS.

Let the Games Begin

The art of walking that fine line in getting the help and information you need from jerk types is something I haven't had to deal with for a long time. I've almost forgotten what it's like to play that game.

Sucks being a newbie.

Ironic

It is so me for something like this to happen. Everything that I did not want is all here. GAWD, I could've moved back to Asia and wouldn't know the difference.

It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic...don't you think
A little too ironic...and, yeah, I really do think...

What can you take away from 4 days?

A lot...a lot can be decoded in 4 days.

I already know that this is going to be a great learning experience and stepping stone for my long-term career goals. I just need to stay focused and not be distracted by bad stress. Another year later and it will be another adventure. =)

Work Starts Aug 5th, 2008

It's with a Canadian Telco firm, it's a Program Manager role within a marketing function.

Very strategic, very marketing, very client focused. The only part missing is that it's not a fashion retail firm! It's very comforting to know that I did not waste my money, time and energy for the past 13 months...I managed to change my career and found something that I would really like to do! (I think...will update you later after I've started work. :p)

Thanks everyone who's supported me through this job search process! (and the chaos since September) Things are finally looking up. :D

It's been a month...

since I've come home...unfortunately, this post doesn't bring any good news of a new job...I'm still doing my search, still doing those applications, still trying to network...

I must say, it's a very disappointing process...especially when you're trying to change careers.

Otherwise things are mmm..."different". Living at home again, not working...wow, feels like the first time I graduated from university!

Will Soon Leave...Sayonara Nihon!

I have 2 more weeks of school left in Nagoya and I can't wait to finish! Japan has been interesting and fun thus far but I must say that I am growing a little bored of this homogenous community. I purchased myself a ticket back to Hong Kong to visit family the week after classes, then I will fly back home to Toronto to begin the next phase of my life => hopefully with a new and exciting career!

I decided not to travel anymore in Japan as I think I've seen enough. Yes, I understand there is still a lot to see but I think I've seen the most historical and cultural locations and on top it all, I just can't be bothered with planning a week of travels. I will focus my time in Hong Kong to complete some job applications instead. The thought of not having a job yet is starting to weigh on me and I don't think I can put off looking for one anymore. That week will help me focus before going back to Toronto.

Wish me luck, let's hope the next post will be good news on the job front!

One Month In

Well, I've officially been in Japan for over a month now....I went to Miyajima/Hiroshima a few weekends back and it was a wonderful trip. (Even better if minus the food poisoning) Classes have picked up a little though I just say I am a little disappointed with the quality of thec classes and students. It is however a good thing that I am not doing ALL my electives here or else I would be really upset!
Just this past weekend, I went to Kyoto and Nara for a 3-day trip with two other classmates. There is certainly a lot of things to see and we've only scratched the surface. Maybe I will head back to Kyoto if time permits. I still have to decide as to where I want to go for my last week here in Japan. Perhaps climb Mt. Fuji and visit Tokyo?
Here are some highlight pics so far...

Five Storey Pagoda - Miyajima












Itsukushima-Jinja's Floating Torii - Miyajima










Tahoto Pagoda - Miyajima












Maikos (don't think they are Geisha status) and me - Kyoto












Fushimi Inari Shrine - Toriis galore! - Kyoto









Kiyomizu-dera - Kyoto









Kinkakuji Temple - Kyoto

First trip planned

Today, I received confirmation from a ryokan in Miyajima for a 2-night stay. Bus tickets was also purchased to Hiroshima today so I am set for next weekend!

The itineary will be a night bus to Hiroshima (approx. 9hrs), arrive around 9am, where then I will proceed to see the WWII monument for the nuclear bombing. Then I will take the tram to the ferry which will take me to the island of Miyajima. It is suppose to be one of the three most beautiful places to visit in Japan. I am sure you will recognize some of the scenary when I post the pictures later.

The ryokan I am staying at is suppose to be very nice and includes breakfast and dinner. There is also an onsen (public bath,, like a hot tub) of which I can use. I am VERY excited about this trip as the classmates here has confirmed that it is a definite-must to visit.

Since I am only here for 2 months, I have to take the opportunity to travel as soon as I can. Otherwise, I really don't know what the possibilites are for me to travel once school gets busy!

The last few days have been laid back. I find the I am actually quite tired from the site seeing and walking around the city. Guess I am getting OLD! More updates to come once classes starts the coming Thurs. Cheers.

Sakura, Sakura...

So far, I've been to 2 of the best spots to view cherry blossoms in Nagoya. They are indeed beautiful, I am so happy that I am in Japan at this time of the year!

Some first impressions of Japan...people generally are very polite and helpful. Japan of course is very clean and neat. That includes the way the grocery check-out ladies pack your basket after they scan the items! Food of course is excellent and there are many affordable places to eat as long as you don't have dietary restrictions and are willing to eat local. On the downside, people in Nagoya are quite conservative and reserved. They follow rules strictly and definitely do not cross any lines. In general, processes and procedures here are very complicated and paper-based. Some of the immigration procedures required for us "Aliens" are downright unneccesary in my opinion. Thank goodness I am here for less than 90 days, or else I would have to do the paperwork that all the exchange students would have to do! This is actually very surprising to me as Japan's technology is years ahead of many of the western world.

I am enjoying my week here so far, we will see what happens when class starts next week. For now, enjoy some sakura pictures.

Pics of my Digs

Here we go,...some pics to update those not on Facebook. Check out my mini-apartment. Really, it's only a room!

First Day in Nagoya

Today I officially moved into my new home for 2 months. It is a small room, approximately 300 sq ft, with a murphy bed, kitchenette, bathroom and balcony. Though small, it is well laid out and I must say I am happy with my temporary home.

I arrived at the apartment around 1 pm and met 3 other exchange students. They are from a school in Burgundy, France....the type of MBA programs that continues from a BA degree. So needless to say, they are much younger than me. However, they are well travelled and very friendly people so I don't feel that there is a huge age gap.

There are suppose to be 2 more students that has arrived from Poland but I have yet seen them. In any case, we will be having an orientation this Saturaday, so I will get to meet everybody then.

It is 4:30am in the morning and I'm awake. I'm not sure if it is the MSG that woke me up or my body is still struggling with the jetlag. I actually didn't sleep at all the previous night so I should be really knocked out today. Good thing I have a few more days to adjust before school starts. I will enjoy the few days ahead while I settle into my apartment.

Sorry, no pictures yet, have been lazy with that, will post some of the apartment soon.

2 Days to take-off

I am mostly settled at my mom's now and am almost all packed up for my trip. I took some time this week to catch up with friends and family before heading away for another 2 months or so. It's been hectic trying to get everything I wanted done in a week's time.

On top of it all, this week's been clouded over by some unnecessary drama. So ready to leave it all behind and embark on new adventures in Japan! Wish me luck!

I would like to congratulate Jocelin on getting her French citizenship! Tres bien mon cheri!

Out of Kingston

Today I officially moved out of Kingston. Everything I don't need has been moved to storage, however, that still means 6 rubbermaid bins worth of clothes. :p

I am VERY tired. Didnt' sleep well last night cuz I spent the night in Kingston back on the air mattress. (and I had to share it with my moving helper)

I also moved my sofa to my buyer (friend) last night, so that took a lot out of me. Yes, I'm a total weakly now that I've lost so much weight.

I have 1 week before I fly out to Japan for my 2-month exchange! But there is SO much to be done before that...I better make a list before I forget about it all!

Next post will probably have you seeing some pics from Nagoya. :D

Second Round Not as Successful

I've been receiving "odd" responses to my TV listing on Craigslist. The latest has to do with a full-on SCAM.


This person wants to purchase my TV (32" tube with stand) from Iowa and wants to have it shipped to them via Fedex. The procedure this person proposed is that they wire me the money and all I have to do is drop off the TV at the designated "shipper" and the shipping will be taken care of.

First of all, Criagslist is for LOCAL transactions, second of all, who the heck would want to have a 170lbs TV Fedexed? With the stand, it's over 200lbs!

So I politely emailed back and said this is cash transaction and direct pickup only. This person proceeds to say they don't have the money right now and is willing to wire me the money first then I can arrange for shipment.

So if you don't have the cash, what the hell are you wiring me?
Do people really go for such scams?
Does Fedexing something over 200lbs even make sense?!

New Year, yet not so New Post

It's definitely been a while since I last posted. Holidays have always been a difficult time for me, perhaps b/c there's never really a "holiday" season for my family. Having no extended family in the country will do that to you.

Anyway, it's now Feb and it's been 2008 for a while now, even chinese new year has already passed. What's in store for me this year? As one of my good friend said, I hope for an excellent 2008 with a new job, new love and perhaps maybe even a new country? (mmmm....)

I'm now in the last 3 weeks of my electives, and then I will be off to my exchange for 2 months in Japan. There are MANY things to tie up before I can leave for my trip, I hope everything will run smoothly! Most of my furniture have been sold off, I hope the rest will move just as fast. (I love Craigslist!)

For those of you that I haven't kept in contact with (sorry!), I wish you a fabulous new year!