Work has been boring because the kids are still on break. They return September 1st. I am finished with my first lesson, so I have nothing to do. My supervisor is going to Korea next week. Wouldn't it be nice to just say, "oh, I am going to Korea next week..."? Actually, I might try to go sometime. Anyway, I really don't have anything to do at work. When I am at home I usually rest or try to get things done. I usually have a load of laundry to do, or something to clean up. I am slowing going through all the things that were left in my apartment and getting rid of them. No on has lived here for a year and a half, so it is really dusty! I haven't really unpacked yet because the room I am going to use to store clothes is dusty. Currently, I use my "living room" as my bedroom because the air conditioner is in there. I really don't have a good closet in there, so I will use the "bedroom" to store my clothes. I have been enjoying cooking. I don't have an oven, but I do have two gas burners. I have to remember to turn off the gas after I am finished in case of an earthquake. In my bathroom I have a traditional Japanese tub that I will never use. It is nice, but old. The Japanese clean off completely in a shower before soaking in the tub. Traditionally, a whole family shared bath water (think old west times) but I am not sure about today. Regardless, I am happy with my shower. I have to turn on the gas to get hot water, but the flow is nice. Again, I have to remember to turn off the gas!
I have one more room. I suppose it is another bedroom, but it doesn't have a light. It doesn't get much sunlight during the day either. I think I am just going to use that room for storage. I have a lot of junk in here because of all the JET's that have lived here throughout the years. I plan on going through it and giving it to the recycle shop. The recycle shop is kind of like a thrift shop I suppose. I haven't been to one so I am not sure. Now, I know what you are thinking. Why should I get rid of things other JET's collected when I should leave them for the person that replaces me. Well, I suppose I could, but I have been told my building will be turn down in two years. I really don't want to bring a bunch of old dusty things to a brand new apartment. I would rather give them things I know they can use at the new apartment and get rid of the old.
Two seems to be the magic number for me. When I was in Chicago they told us that statistically, most of us will stay two years. At the time I thought I would stay longer. However, I have since changed my mind. It seems the universe is telling me two years is enough. I have to pay into the teachers pension, but I can get up to two years worth paid back to me when I am finished. Currently, I do not have to pay taxes in the US or in Japan. However, after two years I will have to start paying taxes in Japan. Finally, the apartment being torn down in two years. I suppose I don't mind moving, and if the other people here leave I will too so they can tear down the apartment earlier. However, it is expensive to move in Japan. I would have to pay a key deposit (3 to 6 months back rent) and maybe even pay a relator. Emily, the closest JET to me had to pay a key deposit that was around $2,000 USD. If I move I might have to pay something like that. However, after that the school district helps with rent. Emily only had to pay around $240 USD a month and the district pays about $230. I guess they will pay up to $270 a month to help with rent. For now, I am staying in my old place where rent is about $80 a month ;)
Hummmmm, that is about all for now. Basically, right now work is boring, but my free time is busy. It seems like I have something going on every weekend and many week nights. I have enjoying Japan and I am really happy I came back.
1 comment:
<3 i am so glad you are pleased to be there, and i'm glad you are keeping busy.
i'm bummed that we got disconnected the other night but thats okay!! i didn't have too much to say anyway!!
Post a Comment