April is here

Posted by: Sara on: April 1, 2008

• In: exercize | komuin | ryohei | work
• 7 Comments

So its been a little less than a week since I’ve come back from vacation. Yesterday was my first day of work in about two weeks. It wasn’t too great. I found out yesterday that two of my work friends (both Japanese) were quitting as of today to move on to other jobs. They couldn’t tell me because I was gone the last two weeks when they gave their notice. It was a pretty big shock since we all started around the same time last August/September and we used to eat lunch and talk with each other during the down time at work (of which there is plenty..) I didn’t even have time to get them a good bye present. Although, apparently you give presents when you leave? I got some cookies and a little cake from them which was unexpected.

Being back at work I realize that its probably this job which made me so depressed the past months leading up to my vacation. I really like the atmosphere and coworkers, but I feel so unproductive. I have no work at the moment so I spend about 8 hours a day sitting at my desk on the net. I’ve decided that I want to work from home after I’m done with this job and I’m really going to try and get work as a freelance translator. Thankfully I passed the 1kyuu test to so I have some nice written qualifications (completely forgetting most of what I studied though) and my current job will help since at its conclusion, I will have two years of translation/interpretation “experience” under my belt.

Speaking of adding to belts, I’ve gained way more kilos that I’d like to admit in the last couple months and I’m pretty sure that its related to my current job since that’s about the only thing in my lifestyle which has drastically changed in the last 6 months. (Well maybe also starting BCPs… does that cause weight gain? I know my chest has gotten about a cup size and a half bigger…) My previous job was a junior high school teacher, I stood a lot more and walked around during my breaks. I also played with the kids at lunch and occasionally did PE class. Oh well, I purchased my new exercise bike yesterday. I got this model. I’m anxiously awaiting its arrival. I have wanted to have a form of daily exercise for a long time now so I’m hoping this will provide me with a way to release stress after the long work day.

Ryohei has switched to insane study mode. This week the only day he’ll be back from school before 10pm will be Friday. He also has class Saturday night and a practice exam taking place all day on Sunday. (Wow) Starting next month he has his first two real tests.

He’s sending out applications for 国家I種(National Civil Servant Rank 1), 国税(Tax Office), and 国立大学法人(University Office Employee) by the end of this week. (By the way in case you’re keeping track国立大学法人is a new selection for him as of today. He found out Niigata University has slots for about 14 workers in its offices so he figured that he’ll try the test for there as well.) With this new addition the number of tests rises to 8!! I just hope he doesn’t wreck himself in the coming months. He seemed in good spirits today though. (We had lunch together! One of the perks of his school and my work being in the same part of the city.)

One of the good/bad parts of Ryohei’s tests is that he has to do a lot of traveling to take them. Out of his 8 tests, there are only 3 which he can take in Osaka. Three others he will have to take in Niigata and the last two he can choose to take in Tokyo or Niigata. And that’s just for the first round! If he passes he’ll have to go to Niigata or Tokyo again. I’m thinking that for one of them I will join him to go to Tokyo. Since he’s moved here I haven’t had the chance to go back and visit so it may be an opportune time to go when he takes an exam at end of June. Not sure if its possible due to lack of accommodations and money.

Lately I have been feeling so broody. But I can not not not not not not not not consider anything until Ryohei has secured himself a job. And then, I want to be able to fully complete my contract at work for both the experience and the money. So absolutely no entertaining baby Kobayashi possibilities until December this year at the earliest… I think this feeling may just be the spring having its way with me…Going home only kindled the fire, I looked through my old baby book at my baby pictures and my early development (apparently my first word was “cracker”) and wondered how much my future child will take after me, I found some of my old baby clothes and baby blankets that my mom saved for me and I am entertaining the possibility of bring them back with me when Ryohei and I visit in December. Anyways, I really need to stay off the subject until I know a little bit more about the job situation. But I can’t say that its not on the back burner. Stay tuned…

Also its one of my favorite times of year in Japan!!! Sakura season!!! I think they are so so so beautiful! I love the 2 weeks or so that they are out. This is my 3rd spring in Japan and I plan to do hanami sometime soon. I was invited by a friend for this Sunday but the forcasts say rain so I’m not sure what to do. I think that this weekend will be the best viewing time for the Kansai area so it feels like now or never for a good old hanami party.

After being on vacation for two weeks I thought I would feel satiated, but my life still feels so predictable and boring. With my vacation over, I don’t really have anything to look forward to until we go up to the in-laws for Obon in August.