What have I been doing? Glad you asked.
A few weeks back I set some goals for myself while I am in Japan. I made them SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely - goals (all those years of giving and receiving Performance Partnerships stuck). If you know me at all, you know I am a big list maker. So here is my list. By telling you all, I am now even more committed than before!
Goal 1 - Learn Japanese by studying an hour a day.
Goal 2 - Cook 1 new dish a week. Expand my repertoire of recipes.
Goal 3 - Be active in the Nagoya community and get involved.
Goal 4 - Become healthier in body and mind. Exercise/meditate everyday.
Goal 5 - Learn a new skill / develop a new talent.
Goal 6 - Take opportunities to travel in Japan/Asia and learn more about cultures.
Goal 7 - Read more books.
Goal 8 - Budget, track and save, save, save!
Goal 9 - Focus on relationship building.
There should be a 10th one, right? Just to round it out. I am open for suggestions, but I couldn't come up with one more.
How am I doing toward these goals? Here's my updates:
Goal 1: I have been very consistent overall in practicing. Some days I study 2 hours, if I am going to miss a day. Throughout my day, I often think -" How would I say that in Nihongo?" and take the time to think it through. (I am even including some of this week's vocabulary throughout my post. : )
Goal 2: I have been looking up recipes online and also went to several cooking groups and classes.
Two weeks ago - Tsukune (Japanese ground meat patty, kind of like meatloaf but with secret spices)
Senshu (last week) - Chicken Marsala
Ka-youbi (Tuesday) -Stove top pork carnitas - found recipe online. Lunch at my apartment with my friends Gail and Shawna (not pictured).
Sui-youbi (Wednesday) - Panang Red Curry. It was very spicy. Must admit I bought the curry paste pre-done, because I don't have the utensils needed to grind all those seeds and spices myself.
Kinou (yesterday) - My first attempt at making sushi. In the lovely home my Nihongo sensei and his wife. They are patient and kind people, as a learn about their language and traditions.
Raishu (next week), I am going Korean! Going to make Bibimbap - a type of fried rice, meat, veggies in a scorching hot bowl.
Goal 3: I joined Cross Cultural Exchange Association (80 member group with 40 Japanese residents and 40 foreign women), which promotes cultural sharing and inclusion. As soon as I joined, I was recruited to be Treasurer for next year. I made the mistake of telling the President I had a little experience with spreadsheets and was "pretty good with numbers".
Also became a member of Hope International which raises money to help impoverished areas in Asia and has organized a large effort this past year to aid the victims of the Tohoku earthquake.
CCEA Cooking Group
Hope International Luncheon
Goal 4: Well... I downloaded a Yoga series, which I have done a few times, but not everyday. Trying to incorporate a meditation in my morning routine a few times a week. I do walk or bike everywhere I go. I think that counts too!
Goal 5: Let's just say that no one should be surprised if they get something made with yarn that goes on their head for Christmas! Therefore, I can't show you what I have made, but I have been very busy. My friend, Shawna, is an amazing crocheter. Her projects are incredible and intricate. Maybe if I get some help from her, I might be able to move beyond beanie making.
Goal 6: Went to Atsuta Shrine last Sunday. November is when parents celebrate "Shichi-go-san", which means 7, 5, 3. Atsuta Shrine is a favorite place for pictures and outings with children who have reached these ages. Here are a couple pictures of children we saw in traditional dress at the shrine.
Goal 7: Failing miserably. Unless my Nihongo books and travel destination books count. Maybe I should join a book club?
Goal 8: Thumbs up on this one!
Goal 9: Pushing past my introverted tendencies to introduce myself to new people. I have met many lovely women, who are fast becoming my friends. Gary and I are also doing terrific and have never been more in 'sync' and happy together. It is amazing how much patience and understanding I have now that I am not all stressed out from work every evening! ; )
I'll post again soon. Miss you all. Amy
