Jeanneabeck’s Weblog

Sorry for not updating in a while.  At one point I was sick, and I had final examinations to deal with a few weeks ago, for which I’m happy to say that I got A’s in both grad school classes.  It’s been a bit busy at school too with classes in full gear, as well as the random guest speakers and gardening day activities going on.  Also, I don’t know if it’s allergies or what but I’ve had a lot more headaches lately.  I drink 8 cups of water a day now so it’s not dehydration.  After class yesterday one of the teachers took me out to a pharmacy to show me what kind of headache medicine to get.   One of the other teachers told us that it was the grand opening for this one new pharmacy/health & beauty goods/etc. store so we decided to head out there.  This turned out to be a bigger cultural experience than I imagined getting meds would be.  Upon arriving there, about 6 different traffic directors steered us here and there to the back of a lot while other guys in Japanese festival jackets greeted us.  I have been to grand openings back in the US but have never seen this much fuss over a simple drug store.   Apparently some people who are from the West side of Japan are happy this certain chain is now in Iida.  Heh, whatever.  There were some sweet deals so I ended stocking up on random household goods before getting back home early. 

On Saturday we have a PTA day at school where parents can sit in and observe classes.   I have two classes so that means I gotta go to school.  Everyone gets Monday off to make up for going to school Saturday but the kids are probably going to go to school anyways because of club activities.  Giving up one’s Saturday is tough, especially when it’s your husband’s birthday but it’ll be alright.  I’ve been bringing him gifts home everyday including the nice box of gifts family members sent him. Thanks, everyone!    The Cinnamon Life cereal, jelly bellies, soup mixes, carrot cake mix, etc. are all nice reminders of home.