Last year I went out and got myself a job. This definitely wasn't my first job! I've had many jobs throughout my life. I started, as many people do, working in retail to pay for my various wants and saving for a rainy day while in high school. In college, I worked a variety of jobs to pay the bills. Immediately after college, I taught English in Japan. Then I moved into the corporate world.
I worked for a huge company for 11 years. There were good parts and... challenging... aspects as I worked my way up the corporate ladder. I got to be part of a team and I learned a lot about myself and my potential. I was really good at my job (if I do say so myself) and I felt a level of satisfaction from my successes.
But, after I had my son, my priorities changed. Suddenly, I wasn't interested in "playing the game" anymore. I simply wanted to do my job and then rush home to spend as much time with my son as I could. Being a working mom is incredibly difficult! The balancing act is intense and never seems to even out.
Just a few days shy of my son's second birthday, I quit my job. I walked away from a regular paycheck, a regular schedule, and everything I had worked so hard to achieve (in the corporate world).
Over the past 6 years, I have rarely missed any part of working beyond the paycheck and the friends. I have had an incredibly wonderful time being a stay-at-home mom. Of course, it wasn't an easy profession either! The balancing act of working outside the home is extremely different than the balancing act of the stay-at-home parent, but it is still there and intense! I must say, I never had to deal with crying meltdowns on trains when I worked in an office.
In Japan, it is still the norm for women to leave their jobs when they have kids to stay at home at least until they start school. The percentage of stay-at-home parents that I personally know is much higher in Japan than it was in the US.
When my son started elementary school, COVID-19 had just arrived on the shores of Japan. We were officially in a pandemic. During the first 6 weeks, I homeschooled my son. Then, he headed into the classroom. And I was all alone. Well, my husband was upstairs working in the office we set up for him in our bedroom, but I'd only see small glimpses of him when he'd refill his tea cup or come down for lunch. My reality was me feeling more isolated than ever.
Since moving to Japan, I have often felt lonely. Between physical distance, language barriers, and what-have-you, it is really hard to form tight bonds when you live in a foreign country. Although I've always had my boys, they are definitely not girlfriends! Only seeing loved ones through a screen has been incredibly challenging for my heart and soul.
After a LOT of prompting from a friend, I applied for a job as a relief teacher at an international school (meaning: the classes are taught in English and use a European teaching philosophy). This way, I could be around other English speaking people (people who know what it is like living abroad), but still be master of my own schedule. I was worried that I wouldn't be hired because I had been out of the workforce for 6 years AND I sometimes needed to have a day off because I needed to be with my son. Even with all my "what ifs" and so forth, it didn't matter. They needed teachers and I needed something to do. In the end, my experience and enthusiasm earned me a position and I was quickly put to work.
Since starting, I have taught kids between kindergarten and eighth grade. I've helped kids with reading and math and art. I have met so many friendly faces and found a new source of joy. Whenever I leave a classroom, I am refueled in a way I haven't been in a very long time. I have reconnected with a side of me that I desperately missed, and didn't even know it. Being in this particular environment has been so important to my mental health.
I was recently explaining to someone that teaching is extremely selfish for me. All of my reasons for showing up are about me. I am there to be a part of the community. I teach because I like feeling like I am helping people. I gain so much by being a part of something where the sole purpose is encouraging others to succeed. In this particular sea of people, I feel like I belong and I am wanted. And more often than not, I get to spend my day hearing kids laugh and get excited about things.
For the longest time, I was really unsure about getting a new job. I had so many reasons to not do it. But in the end, it has been a really good thing.
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Saturday, January 22, 2022
It has been 2 years - Osaka, Kobe, Awaji (part 3 of 3)
Before heading off Awaji Island, we made a couple stops.
First we swung by an old favorite - Takosenbei no Sato. My husband and I have visited this senbei (cracker) factory every time we have visited this island! We love the crackers from here. Unfortunately they weren't making any crackers while we were there, but we still got to buy a ton to take home!
Next, we found a (new to us) shrine. Izanagi Shrine houses the two Gods, Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto, that are connected with the formation of Japan. Folklore explains that Awaji Island was the first landmass created by the Gods. Two Gods came down from heaven and stirred the seas with a spear. When they lifted the spear out of the sea, drips fell from the tip and created the islands. Although the island is referred to as Onogoro in religious texts, scholars have declared Onogoro is Awaji Island.
Izanagi Shrine is the oldest shrine in Japan. People say it was built on the site where Izanagi and Izanami lived after becoming mortals. Shrine visitors pray for harmonious marriages and relationships as well as safe childbirth.
On the shrine grounds, there was a section of roof that allowed us to get an up close view of the fascinating thatched roofs commonly found on shrine buildings. They are meticulously assembled with small pieces of bark from Japanese cypress trees. Gifted professionals shape intricate designs into the peaks. The roofs last about 60 years and are fully replaced when needed (no patching). People rarely get an up close view of these, so I was appreciative of them putting it on display.
It was time for us to slowly head back to Osaka. But before we trekked all the way back, we made a pit stop to see Kobe's Chinatown. This locale holds a special place in my heart, as it is where my husband and I had our very first date. We tried to buy hum bow at his beloved Shi Koh Roh, but it was closed for a new year holiday! It was very upsetting as these are our favorite hum bow in the world! We refused to let it get us down and headed over to the main street of Chinatown to dine on street food from various vendors while regaling our son with tales of our first date.
All too soon, our short getaway came to an end. We returned the car and boarded the Shinkansen to head back to Tokyo. All was well, until suddenly an announcement came over the loudspeaker on the train. It was snowing in Tokyo and our train would be delayed getting into the station because it needed to slow down a bit due to the weather. With big eyes, my son tried to hold back his cheers. His wish for snow was coming to fruition! Snow in Tokyo!
It might have been a bit more hassle coming home in the snow, but we didn't mind one bit as it brought such joy to our son. It was a great way to end our trip, like the cherry on top of a sundae (or carrot on the snowman's face) that we waited 2 years to enjoy.
First we swung by an old favorite - Takosenbei no Sato. My husband and I have visited this senbei (cracker) factory every time we have visited this island! We love the crackers from here. Unfortunately they weren't making any crackers while we were there, but we still got to buy a ton to take home!
Next, we found a (new to us) shrine. Izanagi Shrine houses the two Gods, Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto, that are connected with the formation of Japan. Folklore explains that Awaji Island was the first landmass created by the Gods. Two Gods came down from heaven and stirred the seas with a spear. When they lifted the spear out of the sea, drips fell from the tip and created the islands. Although the island is referred to as Onogoro in religious texts, scholars have declared Onogoro is Awaji Island.
Izanagi Shrine is the oldest shrine in Japan. People say it was built on the site where Izanagi and Izanami lived after becoming mortals. Shrine visitors pray for harmonious marriages and relationships as well as safe childbirth.
On the shrine grounds, there was a section of roof that allowed us to get an up close view of the fascinating thatched roofs commonly found on shrine buildings. They are meticulously assembled with small pieces of bark from Japanese cypress trees. Gifted professionals shape intricate designs into the peaks. The roofs last about 60 years and are fully replaced when needed (no patching). People rarely get an up close view of these, so I was appreciative of them putting it on display.
It was time for us to slowly head back to Osaka. But before we trekked all the way back, we made a pit stop to see Kobe's Chinatown. This locale holds a special place in my heart, as it is where my husband and I had our very first date. We tried to buy hum bow at his beloved Shi Koh Roh, but it was closed for a new year holiday! It was very upsetting as these are our favorite hum bow in the world! We refused to let it get us down and headed over to the main street of Chinatown to dine on street food from various vendors while regaling our son with tales of our first date.
All too soon, our short getaway came to an end. We returned the car and boarded the Shinkansen to head back to Tokyo. All was well, until suddenly an announcement came over the loudspeaker on the train. It was snowing in Tokyo and our train would be delayed getting into the station because it needed to slow down a bit due to the weather. With big eyes, my son tried to hold back his cheers. His wish for snow was coming to fruition! Snow in Tokyo!
It might have been a bit more hassle coming home in the snow, but we didn't mind one bit as it brought such joy to our son. It was a great way to end our trip, like the cherry on top of a sundae (or carrot on the snowman's face) that we waited 2 years to enjoy.
Friday, January 21, 2022
It has been 2 years - Osaka, Kobe, Awaji (part 2 of 3)
We woke early in order to enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant on the 12th floor. Eating our meal (which included several Osaka specialties like takoyaki) while enjoying the view of Osaka Castle was a great start to the day.
After a lovely breakfast, we drove to Kobe to Glicopia - the factory that makes Pocky and Pretz, two very famous snacks. My husband was able to get us reservations for the factory/museum tour. We learned a bit about the history of the company (which originated as a caramel company that added oyster concentrate into its confections for a little bit of nutrition) and saw the machines that make Pocky and Pretz. We also got the make virtual snacks in their virtual bakery. I did see a kitchen that I assume is currently closed due to Covid, but might otherwise offer classes to make your own treats.
I've been to the Glico factory before. Even though the tours are all in Japanese, it is fun to see everything. The signs above the factory viewing windows have English, allowing me to learn about what various machines do.
For lunch, we decided to enjoy an Akashi region treat called Akashiyaki. It looks like takoyaki, and even contains octopus, but is definitely a different dish. Using a batter made of eggs, flour, starch, and dashi stock, the balls are cooked in the same pan as takoyaki with a chunk of octopus in each one. The balls are light and fluffy, with a very soft, but fully cooked, center. It is served on a wooden platform and either dipped in a dashi broth or with a dab of sauce (similar to a bbq sauce). Akashiyaki is very tender, and we ripped more than one with our chopsticks. The advantage to this is letting out some of the steam, as they are served very hot. The simple dish is delectable. My whole family enjoyed it.
All too soon, we were back on the road, heading across the longest suspension bridge in the world. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge spans 1,991 meters (6,532.2 feet). It is a beautiful bridge taking people from Kobe to Awaji Island (called Awajishima). Shortly after arriving on the island, there is a rest stop (called a Highway Oasis) that is perfect for photographs. Japanese rest stops are amazing little places with restaurants, shopping, and CLEAN bathrooms.
Up next on the agenda was a fukimodoshi or party noisemaker factory! This fun stop had us making our own noisemakers. These fun devices are 90% made by hand - even in the factory. So, it was a lot of fun assembling them ourselves. After paying a small fee (400 for children and 800 for adults), we chose the materials to make 6 noisemakers each. After curling the paper and attaching it to the mouthpiece, we went outside where we tested one of our wares and were even taught a couple tricks.
Since we had time, we swung by the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake museum. This museum focuses on what happened during the January 17, 1995 earthquake that rocked the island, Kobe, and surrounding areas resulting in the deaths of over 5,000 people. Our son was quite shocked to see the real examples of shifted earth and structures resulting from the earthquake. While this isn't a "must see" on many people's list of things to do, I do think it is important to understand what an earthquake can do when residing in an area where earthquakes are commonplace. (And let me tell you, they happen ALL THE TIME here!)
Finally, we headed to my husband's family's timeshare on the island. We bathed in the onsen and enjoyed an incredible dinner.
After a lovely breakfast, we drove to Kobe to Glicopia - the factory that makes Pocky and Pretz, two very famous snacks. My husband was able to get us reservations for the factory/museum tour. We learned a bit about the history of the company (which originated as a caramel company that added oyster concentrate into its confections for a little bit of nutrition) and saw the machines that make Pocky and Pretz. We also got the make virtual snacks in their virtual bakery. I did see a kitchen that I assume is currently closed due to Covid, but might otherwise offer classes to make your own treats.
I've been to the Glico factory before. Even though the tours are all in Japanese, it is fun to see everything. The signs above the factory viewing windows have English, allowing me to learn about what various machines do.
For lunch, we decided to enjoy an Akashi region treat called Akashiyaki. It looks like takoyaki, and even contains octopus, but is definitely a different dish. Using a batter made of eggs, flour, starch, and dashi stock, the balls are cooked in the same pan as takoyaki with a chunk of octopus in each one. The balls are light and fluffy, with a very soft, but fully cooked, center. It is served on a wooden platform and either dipped in a dashi broth or with a dab of sauce (similar to a bbq sauce). Akashiyaki is very tender, and we ripped more than one with our chopsticks. The advantage to this is letting out some of the steam, as they are served very hot. The simple dish is delectable. My whole family enjoyed it.
All too soon, we were back on the road, heading across the longest suspension bridge in the world. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge spans 1,991 meters (6,532.2 feet). It is a beautiful bridge taking people from Kobe to Awaji Island (called Awajishima). Shortly after arriving on the island, there is a rest stop (called a Highway Oasis) that is perfect for photographs. Japanese rest stops are amazing little places with restaurants, shopping, and CLEAN bathrooms.
Up next on the agenda was a fukimodoshi or party noisemaker factory! This fun stop had us making our own noisemakers. These fun devices are 90% made by hand - even in the factory. So, it was a lot of fun assembling them ourselves. After paying a small fee (400 for children and 800 for adults), we chose the materials to make 6 noisemakers each. After curling the paper and attaching it to the mouthpiece, we went outside where we tested one of our wares and were even taught a couple tricks.
Since we had time, we swung by the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake museum. This museum focuses on what happened during the January 17, 1995 earthquake that rocked the island, Kobe, and surrounding areas resulting in the deaths of over 5,000 people. Our son was quite shocked to see the real examples of shifted earth and structures resulting from the earthquake. While this isn't a "must see" on many people's list of things to do, I do think it is important to understand what an earthquake can do when residing in an area where earthquakes are commonplace. (And let me tell you, they happen ALL THE TIME here!)
Finally, we headed to my husband's family's timeshare on the island. We bathed in the onsen and enjoyed an incredible dinner.
Then, we called it goodnight because we were all exhausted.
To be continued...
Thursday, January 20, 2022
It has been 2 years - Osaka, Kobe, Awaji (part 1 of 3)
Ever since a trip to Nara and Osaka in January 2020, our family has decided to hold off returning to Osaka due to rising concerns about Covid. It has been a difficult decision, but one that we have felt was best for our family. We have missed it dearly.
Since Tokyo's Covid numbers have been in the single and double digits since October, we decided it was safe to go for a visit. We talked about what our tolerance was, and finally decided that we would ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, but rent a car to drive around Osaka. This was the first time since moving here that we have rented a car in Osaka, allowing us to go much further in our exploration than on previous trips.
The Shinkansen was peaceful. We passed through a bit of snow in the Nagoya region, which made our son very envious. He has been wanting it to snow in Tokyo, but the weather has not granted his wish. The car rental place was located right at Shin-Osaka station, which made for a very easy transfer.
We first drove to the family cemetery, where we paid respects to my husband's family. It is a very important part of Japanese culture to pay respects tho those that have passed. While at the cemetery, we wash the headstone, place fresh flowers in vases built into the headstone, light candles and incense, as well as say prayers. Since several family members are entombed within one headstone, the honoring of those passed is done all at once.
We then drove to our beloved Miwa Jinja, our favorite shrine in Japan.
We wrapped up the day with a family dinner with relatives we have not seen for a very long time.
We stayed at an amazing hotel overlooking Osaka Castle. Although we were there to only sleep and eat breakfast, it was a wonderful experience as Osaka Castle is an amazing site to behold. We decided that the only way to improve our experience there would be to go when the cherry or plum trees are blooming, as the gardens surrounding the castle are filled with blossoms at that time.
Since Tokyo's Covid numbers have been in the single and double digits since October, we decided it was safe to go for a visit. We talked about what our tolerance was, and finally decided that we would ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, but rent a car to drive around Osaka. This was the first time since moving here that we have rented a car in Osaka, allowing us to go much further in our exploration than on previous trips.
The Shinkansen was peaceful. We passed through a bit of snow in the Nagoya region, which made our son very envious. He has been wanting it to snow in Tokyo, but the weather has not granted his wish. The car rental place was located right at Shin-Osaka station, which made for a very easy transfer.
We first drove to the family cemetery, where we paid respects to my husband's family. It is a very important part of Japanese culture to pay respects tho those that have passed. While at the cemetery, we wash the headstone, place fresh flowers in vases built into the headstone, light candles and incense, as well as say prayers. Since several family members are entombed within one headstone, the honoring of those passed is done all at once.
We then drove to our beloved Miwa Jinja, our favorite shrine in Japan.
We wrapped up the day with a family dinner with relatives we have not seen for a very long time.
We stayed at an amazing hotel overlooking Osaka Castle. Although we were there to only sleep and eat breakfast, it was a wonderful experience as Osaka Castle is an amazing site to behold. We decided that the only way to improve our experience there would be to go when the cherry or plum trees are blooming, as the gardens surrounding the castle are filled with blossoms at that time.
To be continued...
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