New years day ramen and gyoza!
Sent from my iPhone
This is just a quick update so I don't get too far behind on my blogging. Not a lot has happened, but enough to send a little email :)
Since Shaun worked Christmas, he had the week of new years off. After the holidays, we didn't have much money, but what money we DID have, we went out to eat sushi nearly every day of his week of. I can't get enough! New years eve was pretty quiet. We spent the night cuddled on the couch with the cats watching X-Files and drinking beer/plum sake. It was a cozy kind of night! New years day we decided to try to find Devils Craft Brew Pub, which is in Kanda, about a 90min train ride. As we were getting ready, we felt an earthquake! What a way to ring in the new year! It was noticeable, but nothing serious. The ornaments on our tree were shaking and I felt the bed shake a good amount. You could here a mild rumble. It only lasted maybe 7 seconds. It was small where we live, I think about a 4 or 5 on the richter scale, and about a 7.0 three hours from us. That being said, we went out anyway! When we on the train and on our way, all the train stops were really quiet, and so was the train. I suspected at that time that out destination would be closed... And I was correct. It was dark by this time.. The whole area of Kanda was closed up tight and barely a soul seen on the streets. For being in Tokyo, it was really erie.. Luckily we ran into the owner, and he said they didn't open until the 5th. I'm d we ran into him cause we would have gone out the next day! So we wandered a bit and found a little ramen place that was open. And it was SOOOOO good!! Cheap, and excellent! Warmed us right up before waiting on our train to go back to base. Monday I ordered my derby gear, an I can't wait for it all to get here!! Tuesday I had my first derby experience! Before then i was just getting used to being on wheels and learning basic skills. We had practice and enough girls to split into two teams and bout it out. Twice I was the jammer (and terrified to be it) and man does that take a lot out of ya! First go I did pretty well! Second, not so good. I was also blocker and played other positions minus the sweeper. It was such a blast! You can tell that I'm the fresh meat, but I was told twice that I did pretty well for being thrown into all that madness with more experienced girls. Go me!! Wednesday I dropped off my 32 page paperwork and went over it with someone. I did it all correctly and have an appointment to fill out MORE paper work that should take about two hours.. Why do I need to do all this plus a background check just to serve coffee to people?!? This is madness! Well, thats all I have for right about now.. Happy new year to anyone who reads this blog of mine! Sent from my iPhoneI got to open my Xmas present a few days early to find my very own brand new 5 qt mixer!! Was so happy to finally have one of my own!
Xmas day I talked to the family via video chat and I made a cake and our usual Xmas enchiladas. Shaun opened up his gifts from me which included new vintage guiness beer glasses, wood chips for BBQ, massage certificate, and a bunch of CDs that he wanted. He also got out of work after only working two hours. Good Xmas all around!Sent from my iPhone
So for the past three weeks I've been training off and on with the Yokota roller derby team, the Scary Blossoms. Last week, I was invited to go and help represent the team in a grand opening of a new roller rink here in Tokyo. Of course I said yes!!
Morning of the event I got up super early to get together my derby outfit, breakfast and gear (or as close as I could come, without being part of the team just yet). I got picked up by Eve (derby name), and we wandered to the parking lot where we would meet the other girls. Everyone had backpacks/rolling bags to carry all their gear/outfits. We all walked to the train station and waited for what would be a two-two and a half hour train ride. Luckily in Japan, there is a women's only car, which we rode.. Cause some of the girls were already in derby outfits AKA tights and booty-shorts or short skirts. It was a tight fit with all the Japanese on their way to work though! Once we got to our destination, we were about an hour early from the grand opening, so we all went to a cafe near by and grabbed some much needed coffee. We chatted and had a riot since all the girls are pretty hilarious. Once everyone was done, we went to the Tokyo dome and waited by the roller rink for it to open. We waited roughly 20 mins and us girls who packed away our outfits, went and changed into them. We ran into the navel bases derby team (who are all super friendly) the Yokusuka Sushi Rollers. There was a mad rush for both teams to get our skates and gear one. Once we were in I was SHOCKED at how many people were there just to watch people skate. I mean, men in business suits all with video cameras watching the skate show (they had performers) then watching us skate. After about 15-20 mins of us girls and preformers skating for fun, it was then open for everyone else. I mostly skated with Robin, who is on our team. We were slower then the rest, so we were skating on the outer part of the rink. We skated for about two hours (any longer and we'd have to pay) and then it was a mad rush to get changed and get our gear put away. After we collected all of our team we went out to lunch as a Sizzler, which I believe is an American chain, but I've never been to one before this. Food was good, company was great. Lots of laughs were had. When everyone was finished, it was off to the train station for our 2 hour train ride back. This ride was much better though, since it wasn't morning when everyone is going into work, we were able to get seats. Everyone was fairly quite on the way back, tired and ready for relaxation. I know I nearly dozed off.. When we got to Fussa station, we all got off, but parted ways. Half the group went to seiyu, and the rest of us came back to base. The short walk back was cold and windy, and I was glad that I hada ride home. Back to my apartment. Back to my BED..! Sent from my iPhone
