Just one of those days

Do you have ever one of those days where at the end of the day you wonder how you function? Today was one of those days for me. My day in itself was fine, I kept myself busy at work, lesson planning for next week and such. I decided that I was going to go see another movie on base tonight. Well actually Bonnie and Justin told me that I should go because I had nothing better to do, ha! I was indecisive because I googled reviews on the movie and they werent very good reviews (I should really stop doing that). Anyways so I got off work and I headed to base. I went through the normal procedure of getting on base, which Ive done a thousand times where I hand the MA my ID card and he scans it, only this time I didnt hand him my ID card, I handed him my Suica card (my train card). I was wondering why he was giving me such a funny look and after realizing what an idiot I was, I fished through my backpack for my ID. Then Im at the movie theater paying for my $3 movie, and I handed the guy a 20. He gives me my change and I began to walk away. I realized he had given me too much money (or so I thought). Thinking I was being a good citizen I turned around and gave him a dollar back and said "You gave me too much change." He seemed so surprised that someone would be so honest as to return a dollar and thanked me. As I walked away this time, I counted my money again and only had 16 dollars. Haha I scare myself sometimes and really wonder how I am able to make it in a foriegn country alone, but cant count change or even use the right card to get on base.

Aside from that, I have decided that Japanese people are only nice until they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, or even a bicycle for that matter! When they are behind anything that moves its like they are out to get you! I swear they think they own the road, and they dont care if you are in the way or not. Its the worst when its raining. I think they see me and think "Oh poor little American girl walking in the pouring rain, how about we speed past her right as she is walking next to that huge puddle!" Okay so its really not that bad, but pedestrians definitely do not have the right away here, hardly even when its your turn to cross the street! Even then, cars that are waiting to make a turn while you are crossing the street, when its your to to cross for crying out loud will inch closer and closer to you, practically pushing you across the road and out of their way so they can complete their turn. Whats even better is I constantly have to remind myself where Im at, am I on base or am I out in town? I swear when it comes to driving they are 2 completely different worlds. On base, you can be approaching the end of a side walk and cars will begin to slow down and stop before you are even near stepping foot into the cross walk. They also have these cross walks that you push a button and they light up so cars know that you are crossing the road in the dark. In Yokosuka, you're lucky if you can cross the road if the little green man is telling you to.

I've also decided that the weather here changes faster than a pregnant womans mood swings. I feel like everytime I leave the house, I should prepare for every possible weather situation known to man. I should probably start packing a bathing suit, a light sweater, rainboots, an umbrella, a scarf, a heavy jacket and uggs just so Im prepared. I swear one minute its a beautiful day outside, with a cool breeze and the sun shining and the next minute its pouring down rain. Whenever Im talking to my Dad he often asks me if its raining out (because 99% of the time it is!), and if it just so happens not to be, my response is "Not right now but that doesnt mean it wont be in an hour." I shouldnt complain though, cuz I did have a dream the other night that I came back home to the states and was really depressed. I didnt get to say bye to my students, I went back to working at stupid Olive Garden, and I didnt have a car because we sold it and public transportation sucks compared to here in Japan. I hope Im not like that when its really time to leave!! Oh well, only time will tell! :)