Hi everyone. It has been a while
Well since...a while ago...about 2 months now, I have moved to Japan and have started a new blog for my Japan adventures over at http://wrongrouge.blogspot.com/
So, if you are so inclined to learn about some bizarre Japanese culture or just want to live vicariously through my adventures there, please check me out!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Interac Timeline
This is a timeline I am doing for my Interac hiring process. Interac is a Japanese company which serves to recruit and provide English teachers for public schools. As you may or may not know, I have a special interest in the Kansai area and have therefore put all my efforts to achieving placement there. This is an idea I got from jennyinjapan who provided me with all these details that I was so desperate to have when I was in the midst of the process.
so here it goes!
April 12th: registered with the Interac Network online.
May 27th: submitted Interac online application (note there are two short online essays - I think 500 words?)
June 2nd: received correspondence from Interac requesting a phone interview
June 3rd: Short 20 minute phone interview with Interac recruiting office.
June 8th: Notice that I passed the phone screening. Obtained information about next process ( sending in required documents, 6 minute lesson demonstration video and secondary interview session)
June 14th: Uploaded finished demo lesson video.
June 16th: Sent in application package to Interac head office.
June 17th: online interview with recruiter ( please note that because I was located in South Korea, my interview took place online; however when I talked to almost everyone else, either from America, the U.K. or Japan, they all had in person and often group session interviews)
June 22nd: Application package received by Interac.
July 1st: References submitted forms to Interac.
July 1st: Offer of Employment email. This certifies that I do work for Interac, but does not specify employment.
July 4th: emailed camera photos of signed copies of the Offer of Employment
July 6th: Application for Certificate of Eligibility sent off. Expected to receive it around August 9th
July 11th: address update for delivery of CoE
July 11th: submitted online resume which is used as a profile to introduce you to the schools. (after I finished this I copied it via that printing to another page option but the words were cut off but after emailing I learned that it was just my image but the actual document was intact)
July 12th: Placement Introduction email. An email stating important information concerning insurance and apartment and health checks.
July 12th: emailed scanned copies of my TB test required by Interac. I had an x-ray test. Also since I lived in Korea, I had to have them translated.
July 18th: Interac received original copy of State Criminal Background check.
July 18th: Received Placement: Ibaraki-shi, Osaka
July 19th: Best mate Ben Brannan and many others received deferrals for spring semester.
July 27th: Apartment offer for a Leopalace and free internet
July 28th: Apartment offer accepted
August 2nd: CoE sent by Interac
August 4th: Booked one way flight with Expedia to Japan KIX
August 8th: Received schools ( 2 elementary and one junior high) and year schedule.
August 19th: Flight to KIX and Arrival in Osaka.
August 21st: Entered Osaka City Plaza Hotel for training
August 22nd: First day of orientation
August 24th: Met Board of Education and last day of training
August 25th: Got apartment Key and moved in.
August 25th: Applied for Alien Registration Card
August 26th: Obtained temporary Alien Registration Card
August 26th: Applied for Post Office Bank Account
so here it goes!
April 12th: registered with the Interac Network online.
May 27th: submitted Interac online application (note there are two short online essays - I think 500 words?)
June 2nd: received correspondence from Interac requesting a phone interview
June 3rd: Short 20 minute phone interview with Interac recruiting office.
June 8th: Notice that I passed the phone screening. Obtained information about next process ( sending in required documents, 6 minute lesson demonstration video and secondary interview session)
June 14th: Uploaded finished demo lesson video.
June 16th: Sent in application package to Interac head office.
June 17th: online interview with recruiter ( please note that because I was located in South Korea, my interview took place online; however when I talked to almost everyone else, either from America, the U.K. or Japan, they all had in person and often group session interviews)
June 22nd: Application package received by Interac.
July 1st: References submitted forms to Interac.
July 1st: Offer of Employment email. This certifies that I do work for Interac, but does not specify employment.
July 4th: emailed camera photos of signed copies of the Offer of Employment
July 6th: Application for Certificate of Eligibility sent off. Expected to receive it around August 9th
July 11th: address update for delivery of CoE
July 11th: submitted online resume which is used as a profile to introduce you to the schools. (after I finished this I copied it via that printing to another page option but the words were cut off but after emailing I learned that it was just my image but the actual document was intact)
July 12th: Placement Introduction email. An email stating important information concerning insurance and apartment and health checks.
July 12th: emailed scanned copies of my TB test required by Interac. I had an x-ray test. Also since I lived in Korea, I had to have them translated.
July 18th: Interac received original copy of State Criminal Background check.
July 18th: Received Placement: Ibaraki-shi, Osaka
July 19th: Best mate Ben Brannan and many others received deferrals for spring semester.
July 27th: Apartment offer for a Leopalace and free internet
July 28th: Apartment offer accepted
August 2nd: CoE sent by Interac
August 4th: Booked one way flight with Expedia to Japan KIX
August 8th: Received schools ( 2 elementary and one junior high) and year schedule.
August 19th: Flight to KIX and Arrival in Osaka.
August 21st: Entered Osaka City Plaza Hotel for training
August 22nd: First day of orientation
August 24th: Met Board of Education and last day of training
August 25th: Got apartment Key and moved in.
August 25th: Applied for Alien Registration Card
August 26th: Obtained temporary Alien Registration Card
August 26th: Applied for Post Office Bank Account
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
My Daily Routine
Well more or less.
I did this video for my kids as we learn how to talk about our day and tell time. Needless to say they were highly amused.
I did this video for my kids as we learn how to talk about our day and tell time. Needless to say they were highly amused.
KLCC - the Twin Towers of Malaysia
also if you are ever here I highly recommend coffee and dessert at The Apartment.
I believe i can fly
I think Goose would be highly displeased if I came home with friends...
These birds are simply the funniest thing! They completely ignore you, until the moment you whip out your wallet. They know exactly what that means! Their food time! And then immediately before you even have the food, they are you best friends!
I think the strangest part about this enclosure was that we saw a komodo dragon chilling out on the side walk near the flamingos. I can only imagine it taking on one of them after eating all of its eggs.
These birds are simply the funniest thing! They completely ignore you, until the moment you whip out your wallet. They know exactly what that means! Their food time! And then immediately before you even have the food, they are you best friends!
I think the strangest part about this enclosure was that we saw a komodo dragon chilling out on the side walk near the flamingos. I can only imagine it taking on one of them after eating all of its eggs.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
OMGWEREINLANGKAWILETSDOEVERYTHINGEVERINONEDAY!!!!!
So in Langkawi...
Well I get there and there is this surly rough tough group staring at the whitey approaching them...these are my friends ^____^ whose names I couldnt correctly say until the last day I was there!!! hahaha Moving on. Here in Langkawi you will find super delicious food and awesome tourist spots. Langkawi is now known as a Geo Park as it has something like 99 different island formations. Including one with an entirely freshwater lake! That was 40 METERS DEEP!!!! (holy cow that is more than 120 feet!) Anyways that is where we end up on the speed tour that we decided to do that took us to Dayang Bunting, otherwise known as the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden ( story goes that two fell in love [story]...whiles later ...their infant dies and was buried our in the lake) the lake was assumed to be cursed for the longest time and recently I believe the current belief is that the curse has been lifted. At this crazy island, monkeys are abundant. Infact there is even a sign warning of monkey attacks ( I did NOT take this seriously - oh~ how wrong I was).
Next stop is the eagle feeding. People would take their children they didnt want anymore and feed them to the eagles...who were too small to care for such mal-nutritional diets. And we watched them swoop does scant feet from the boat to eat the fish that seemed abundant in the waters around us. This place, reasonably so, was called Eagle Island. And there were literally hundreds swarming. This must be where old Alfred filmed his movie.
Our last and final stop was snorkeling at a coral reef off of one of the islands. There wasn't actually too much interesting so we just played around and took under water photos of each other ^__^
Well I get there and there is this surly rough tough group staring at the whitey approaching them...these are my friends ^____^ whose names I couldnt correctly say until the last day I was there!!! hahaha Moving on. Here in Langkawi you will find super delicious food and awesome tourist spots. Langkawi is now known as a Geo Park as it has something like 99 different island formations. Including one with an entirely freshwater lake! That was 40 METERS DEEP!!!! (holy cow that is more than 120 feet!) Anyways that is where we end up on the speed tour that we decided to do that took us to Dayang Bunting, otherwise known as the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden ( story goes that two fell in love [story]...whiles later ...their infant dies and was buried our in the lake) the lake was assumed to be cursed for the longest time and recently I believe the current belief is that the curse has been lifted. At this crazy island, monkeys are abundant. Infact there is even a sign warning of monkey attacks ( I did NOT take this seriously - oh~ how wrong I was).
Next stop is the eagle feeding. People would take their children they didnt want anymore and feed them to the eagles...who were too small to care for such mal-nutritional diets. And we watched them swoop does scant feet from the boat to eat the fish that seemed abundant in the waters around us. This place, reasonably so, was called Eagle Island. And there were literally hundreds swarming. This must be where old Alfred filmed his movie.
Our last and final stop was snorkeling at a coral reef off of one of the islands. There wasn't actually too much interesting so we just played around and took under water photos of each other ^__^
Pirate Ship Tea Party
On to Lake Asahi. No I am not entirely certain how to pronounce it. But there I went on this great big pirate ship ( see japan supports its pirates AS WELL AS ninjas - who knew). Pretty much I went on it just to check out the lake view and the Tori on the water. It was very serene looking at sunset. You could supposedly see Mt. Fuji from one side or other of a Lake but even with the nice sunny patch that we were sailing under there were clouds at the mountain tops. A strange thing happened too when I got off it started snowing in the sunny rays. What is up with that. Weather cannot have its cake and eat it too!
this second video is simply provided to show some of the temple traditions. and Dude does it work!!! ;)
(you totally don't get to know what i wished for =p)
this second video is simply provided to show some of the temple traditions. and Dude does it work!!! ;)
(you totally don't get to know what i wished for =p)
Japan unscrambled
We ran around looking for Tofukuji at about 4:20 and we asked this guy and he directed us back to the station we just got out of haha. But once we got to the temple it was long closed.
Near Kodaiji there was a giant Buddha guy at another temple too perhaps I will put up his picture later...
Upon unanimous supreme decision...there must be a ghost blowing on the metal cans to make them move.
If I was cool enough to have my own business card I would definitely leave in the might wooden horses' care.
Near Kodaiji there was a giant Buddha guy at another temple too perhaps I will put up his picture later...
Upon unanimous supreme decision...there must be a ghost blowing on the metal cans to make them move.
If I was cool enough to have my own business card I would definitely leave in the might wooden horses' care.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
LEVEL UP!!
Here is Kyoto main station. I mean sure it looks just like every other station EXCEPT FOR THE STAIRS
Princess Ruta I cannot marry you.
So some fun background facts for the gamers reading this. The title is such because Nintendo and Nintendo games ( such as Mario) are from Kyoto. So yes I am back in Kyoto, but more importantly this is where Zelda and the references of this title are from (- ohmigoshbadgrammerteacher!!). omgnoway! yes way. Ruta is the idgit you have to carry all around the third dungeon in the water temple in Ocarina of Time. Why her? All because she is princess to the water temple. But the water temple? Mizu means water and this temple is a huge temple in devotion to the holy water it possesses ( are there too many s's in that word or is it just me). So, yes i did drink it, no I do not feel any smarter. sadly. This is mom's favorite temple, Kiyomizudera. Which is where I headed on my first day in Kyoto right after Ginkakuji and Eikando. Man did I have a busy first day!
I am posting everything out of order
This one is my 3rd day in Japan and I am at Himeji castle sometimes called the White Heron because of its...whiteness. Only its under construction. So instead I got a free walking English tour of the rest of the ground and buildings. This was taken on my new camera as opposed to my camcorder and I am trying to get the hang of things with it. But the rooms we saw were the servants quarters area as well as the ladies in waiting quarters as well as the ground of course. But this is definitely the most recommended castle that I saw in Japan. Even if it is under construction.
Temples in Kyoto are the Theaters of New York
So just after leaving Ginkakuji The Pavillion of the Silver Temple, I made my way down the Path of Philosophy. It was quite scenic. I bet it would be beautiful in the summer.
There are lots of interesting choices at the grocery store and this morning I decided why chose banal when you can go japanese. So I picked up a butter scotch milk to took it for the road.
Man there are about as many temples in Kyoto as many times as you can blink. there were about 5 little ones along this path and a couple major ones as well.
There are lots of interesting choices at the grocery store and this morning I decided why chose banal when you can go japanese. So I picked up a butter scotch milk to took it for the road.
Man there are about as many temples in Kyoto as many times as you can blink. there were about 5 little ones along this path and a couple major ones as well.
I think that every city ever in Japan has a ferris wheel
Ferris Wheels and Aquariums are nothing new. BUT WHALE SHARKS AND SUNSETS MAKE THEM EPIC!!!
Well this was actually my first day in Japan. Fresh from the plane. I landed in Osaka and headed straight to my Hotel. The Chisun in for anyone who is interested in a nice clean budget hotel. And then made my way to the first of attractions in Osaka. Kaiyukan. There is a gigantic ferris wheel that takes approximately 30 minutes to rotate and is a wonderful couples spot....for anyone who is a couple in Osaka...pretty much no one reading this.
Anyways what I didnt notice really about this ferris wheel for at least the first 10 minutes is that is spouts facts about the city and the aquarium in both Japanese AND English. Its odd, you think that not ever hearing my native tongue I would be super keen to hearing it, but really its to opposite - since I just ignore just about anything anyone says to my or well I smile and nod and pretend to understand, it just seemed natural to ignore whatever the speakers inside this metal crate were telling me.
After the ferris wheel I made my way inside this RIDICULOUSLY OVERPRICE but still awesome aquarium. Here they have the only whale sharks I have ever seen as well as one of the only Beluga I have ever seen. Keep in mind I do not live next to Sea World. In addition they had lots of interesting things here. Like these fish that were so still that they would always win a game of freeze tag. There was also this really awkward fish that well did not have any lateral fins and pretty much defied the laws of fish. It didn't look like he had any friends. go figure.
Here is a view of the light display outside of the aquarium.
Well this was actually my first day in Japan. Fresh from the plane. I landed in Osaka and headed straight to my Hotel. The Chisun in for anyone who is interested in a nice clean budget hotel. And then made my way to the first of attractions in Osaka. Kaiyukan. There is a gigantic ferris wheel that takes approximately 30 minutes to rotate and is a wonderful couples spot....for anyone who is a couple in Osaka...pretty much no one reading this.
Anyways what I didnt notice really about this ferris wheel for at least the first 10 minutes is that is spouts facts about the city and the aquarium in both Japanese AND English. Its odd, you think that not ever hearing my native tongue I would be super keen to hearing it, but really its to opposite - since I just ignore just about anything anyone says to my or well I smile and nod and pretend to understand, it just seemed natural to ignore whatever the speakers inside this metal crate were telling me.
After the ferris wheel I made my way inside this RIDICULOUSLY OVERPRICE but still awesome aquarium. Here they have the only whale sharks I have ever seen as well as one of the only Beluga I have ever seen. Keep in mind I do not live next to Sea World. In addition they had lots of interesting things here. Like these fish that were so still that they would always win a game of freeze tag. There was also this really awkward fish that well did not have any lateral fins and pretty much defied the laws of fish. It didn't look like he had any friends. go figure.
Here is a view of the light display outside of the aquarium.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Practice Trumpet Everyday
All of my 4th graders do.
A super boring lesson of weekdays turned awesome thanks to We Might be Giants and this song. On any given day with grade 4, they can spend AT LEAST 10 minutes singing this song...
A super boring lesson of weekdays turned awesome thanks to We Might be Giants and this song. On any given day with grade 4, they can spend AT LEAST 10 minutes singing this song...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Temples made of Silver
This is called Ginkakuji - the Silver Pavilion. I think they really just felt sorry for it because the gold one was so pretty with an awesome title. This one AT LEAST deserved an awesome title...even if its not made of Silver...
I realized that it is highly possible I did this wrong and that the gods will kill me. You typically throw a coin somewhere ( though here I didn't see a place) you ring the bell, and bow twice (kind of deeply), clap your hands twice and pray. And then bow again. If you see an area to wash your hands ( with things that look like ladles) you are supposed to do so...even if the water is buttfreezingcold.
I realized that it is highly possible I did this wrong and that the gods will kill me. You typically throw a coin somewhere ( though here I didn't see a place) you ring the bell, and bow twice (kind of deeply), clap your hands twice and pray. And then bow again. If you see an area to wash your hands ( with things that look like ladles) you are supposed to do so...even if the water is buttfreezingcold.
Osaka Castle
I wasn't allowed to take video's inside the castle, probably because it was more of a museum and not a castle. But it had 7 floors with the top almost like an observatory where you could see much of the grounds and the insides included dozens of holographic videos depicting the progression of the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Shogun war. It was extremely interesting I am sure...if you could read and understand Japanese.
Japan is weird...
but you know that.
Here is a tour of my second hotel in Japan as well as my surprise with their...facilities...
I super loved the little crane on my pillow ( yes I totally kept it)
They were really nice accommodations and were extremely helpful with getting me to my next destination - Kinosaki Onsen.
Here is a tour of my second hotel in Japan as well as my surprise with their...facilities...
I super loved the little crane on my pillow ( yes I totally kept it)
They were really nice accommodations and were extremely helpful with getting me to my next destination - Kinosaki Onsen.
Dear Santa...
I got to experience my first BIG NEW YEARS. I mean no, not as big as Times. But I still got to be in Seoul and counting down with everyone and joining in on all the fun festivities. Below are pretty much the order of events as the night proceeded. It was a great show and such a fun New Years. Though personally I think I am still a silly games with family and friends kind of girl.
all the balloons they are letting go have the names of the couple on them for good luck in the new year.
all the noises in the background are totally fireworks being shot off
ok we couldn't resist we bought a few and joined the hundreds!
all the balloons they are letting go have the names of the couple on them for good luck in the new year.
all the noises in the background are totally fireworks being shot off
ok we couldn't resist we bought a few and joined the hundreds!
Have a Very Merry UnBirthday to YOU!!!!
Who me?
YES YOU!!!!
So on my birthday. I actually did not tell the kids it was my birthday. Klara did it for me. And I got 40 handmade cards from my adorable kids later that day. Additionally that day I did a cooking lesson; we made Lemonade Pie. Yes it sounds strange but keep in mind we had to make something that could not be cooked. And our co teacher dismissed the ice cream idea. In any case as the pies were finished and being eaten I got the birthday song sung to me!! Also notice how one of the kids gets excited and blows out the candles first and then others joined in. I laughed really hard after.
If you are curious about the recipe here it is:
http://homeparents.about.com/od/pies/r/lemon_pie.htm
YES YOU!!!!
So on my birthday. I actually did not tell the kids it was my birthday. Klara did it for me. And I got 40 handmade cards from my adorable kids later that day. Additionally that day I did a cooking lesson; we made Lemonade Pie. Yes it sounds strange but keep in mind we had to make something that could not be cooked. And our co teacher dismissed the ice cream idea. In any case as the pies were finished and being eaten I got the birthday song sung to me!! Also notice how one of the kids gets excited and blows out the candles first and then others joined in. I laughed really hard after.
If you are curious about the recipe here it is:
http://homeparents.about.com/od/pies/r/lemon_pie.htm
There are...
The script in these presentations are none too original but hey they are nailing the...well at least the 'There are' parts of the speeches...Check out the Chicken team especially I love how they go and count every time ( they have all the sentences on the back of the paper).
The theme of this lesson was Nature and the target sentence was, as you guessed it, 'There are'
Grade 1
Grade 2
(P.S. the phrase "Shiiii Ja" pretty much means 'start')
The theme of this lesson was Nature and the target sentence was, as you guessed it, 'There are'
Grade 1
Grade 2
(P.S. the phrase "Shiiii Ja" pretty much means 'start')
Dramatic Coffee
This post is especially for you Kimiko~
In our wanderings of Seoul, my friend mentions they halfway decent spot to get coffee. So we travel on over to the Hondae area and check out 1st shot Coffee Prince. Yup the very same as the one in the drama. Though now its winter and not as pretty...I promise to go back in spring and get a prettier video!
In our wanderings of Seoul, my friend mentions they halfway decent spot to get coffee. So we travel on over to the Hondae area and check out 1st shot Coffee Prince. Yup the very same as the one in the drama. Though now its winter and not as pretty...I promise to go back in spring and get a prettier video!
SNOW!!1!1!!!!!
This is my first snow of the season waaaaayyyyy back in November. I am clearly extremely excited about seeing this much snow in one place.
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