Things that are happening- not sure what to happen!

Well things are moving along as planned- FAST AND FURRRRIOUS- (disclaimer- i have no rights to saying this I do not have rights to use the title of a movie or any part of it so i thought spelling it wrong might help me not get in trouble). This will hopefully be the last updated version of Just A Guz- OF JAPAN. I am thus removing the Japan part and will not be forgetting but just helping the transition. Well since I have been back I have converged with some great friends....

started teaching- Aug 13th (wow can't stop gotta keep going- move move move)....

moved to a new home... new car... and

This weekend celebrate my parents 29th wedding anniversary. (who would want to spend it in Washington- ??? well it is fun). We have just enjoyed sleeping in (thankfully), walking around the sweet little town, watching scary movies (or The Knowing- still not sure what I think of it) and eating. I have been so excited to try out cooking with an oven. You are thinking "man Molly doesn't know how to cook???" That is ridiculous quite that thought right now- I have always enjoyed cooking but in Japan I only did stove top cooking because I was lacking an oven. SOOOOO, this weekend I have been cooking up a small storm with some great results.

First for dinner I made marinated pork chops, with twice baked potates, fruit salad, and green salad (with all the fixings).

obviously the outcome was quite delightful! Happy Campers!

for dessert- coffee cheesecake. It was my first so a little darker around the corners but it was not dry, and the crust was a crust (hand made) and didn't flack and break when we cut it. So I would say it was a success!

And now breakfast- Banana-chip muffins, eggs/ham, and fruit salad!

OISHI- delicioso, YUMMY! YEAH! I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship between me and my 1940's burnt yellow Westinghouse oven!

Remember: no one can take away the wonderful praise to God when you serve others.

MOlly

I'm back right?

my new pad

Welcome back right??? Ohiyou is what I want to say but a Buenos Dias or Good Morning would be better understood right??? I think this is what they call reverse culture shock??? (the overwhelming question marks and confusion). I have finally settled into what this year has for me, teaching at Columbus Junction (which I will start with my first groups on Monday- finally!), living in Washington (finally getting use to that too), and well enjoying bills. I feel like I have finally settled down from the constant change but now is when my confusion begins. Since leaving Japan life has changes so drastically I have not thought about not being in Japan. Now I guess I get to do that. I have been missing my friends, family, and school kids at the schools I taught at. The new life and change is not so fun even with speaking ENGLISH all the time. I actually miss hearing and trying to speak JAPANESE. The daily challenge of what to say and how to say it so others understand is not there. I can do most things- and my only limitations are my age/experience and height (which is not so unusual- well I did have to get a stool for my apt)... any who this is more of a reflection of what I still do not understand but keep plugging away till change is needed. But on a lighter note here are some great things I have experienced this week::

1. The American valley girl students who come with their Hanna Montana Shirts and pink nails and - man I did not miss that- these stereotypical girls are getting so young now.

2. I was getting out of my car and understood a local neighbor talking about alcohol and using vulgar language (where in Japan I would not understand it at all- I MISS THAT).

3. I watched another 3 Korean films- Can't get away from them when you start they are ridiculous.

4. Found some great Japanese ring tones for my phone- a great reminder and scares people..

5. Learned how to be careful enough not to attract bugs into your house and to keep them from returning.

6. The great feeling you get when you actually get a pay check when you didn't expect one till Sept.

7. The joys of buying fruit in BULK and eating lots of it and not feeling bad!!!!!

8. Deer meat is not all that bad (Deer tacos, deer salad, deer nachos- it can be done).

9. Ice cream unites the masses.

10. Enjoying a small community that opens their community meetings with prayer.

11. Renewed by the sense of home that come with Gods presence in any place you are at that moment.

This was my week 8/16/09

~MOlly

Sage- is that Japanese?

Being back in the states has helped many people.... My family likes that I am home, my friends like that I am home, I have a great job, apt, and car to come... but one group which I thought would benefit from me being home has not.... 

The Vikings this new year have been struggling with Identity issues. They are starting a new year with Adrian Peterson  but who to back him up? This is the identity issue..... First they thought well lets take on another QB- possibly Favre??? from an opposing team who got ride of him when he was no longer useful-- (hence why would anyone else want him??) Well thankfully that horrible possibility has blown over... now Tarvaris Jackson is out for injuries and won't return till.... well we are not sure.. who is here to save us- is is SAGE??? to this I ask- is he Japanese?? there is a SUGE, SAKE, SAKI, SUGI in Japanese and  (thus I shall call him SA-GE)? We shall see what is up for him and the future of the Vikings.... Please let this ISU grad become an addition to this team... we shall seeee......

In other news Sunday night is the opener for the Football season... and I shall be watching in Washington Iowa at my new apt. I have an apt., a job, and a car here very soon, God has been so good to me as he promised he would. All is in his hands. For me to know everything is not necessary but difficult but God is good! So if you are ever in the Area of Iowa City- SE Iowa- drop me a call and I shall show you the wonders of Washington..

Remember: You many live near many people who wear cowboy hats but take comfort that well I am not sure- to many cowboy hats can be bad....

~MOlly