Month 11 in Review

And like that...it's December. The end of Month 11 in Japan. It's crazy to think at this time last year, I had just left my job at CCHMC, we were packing up our belongings to ship to Japan, and we were gearing up for the holidays and lots of "see you laters" with family and friends. I know I say this just about every month and it still rings true...time is a funny thing...some days it seems like we've been in Japan way less than 11 months and other days it seems like we've been in Japan way more than 11 months. 

Month 11 brought with it Fall in Japan. And, it was beautiful!! People often ask me what the weather is like here...and it's not drastically different than the weather in the Midwest. The summer is hotter and way more humid (ok, that part did feel drastically different...and miserable), there are "rainy seasons," and Fall seems to begin and end about a month later. So instead of wondering whether we'd get snow flurries at the end of November, we were enjoying foliage. Which I have to admit feels a bit strange. 

In the past week, the wind has picked up big time, the temperatures have dropped, and the sun is now setting at 4:30pm (I'm not exaggerating either). My runs are beginning to require more and more layers of clothing, and I am finding myself having to work a bit harder to get out from under the blankets in the morning (or out from under the blankets at most times of the day...since most of you know that I tend to walk around the house wrapped in a blanket from sun up to sun down). Thanksgiving came and went...bringing with it a sense of "weirdness" as Kaz and I both worked and ate a regular meal. Keeping up with family and friends via phone, text, email, and Facebook helped us to feel a bit more connected...however, it definitely wasn't the same. I've got a gut feeling that the next month and another holiday away from family and friends may bring with a whole slew of mixed emotions. More about that later, I'm sure...

This month (as part of the Autumn celebrations), Kaz and I went to Korankei (a valley near Nagoya) to see the foliage illuminated at night! Like any Japan festival/event - there was also tons of food...much of which you could only get at this event during this time of year. One of the "must have" foods was the Chinese noodle - Toshomen (which means "sword grinding noodle"). The chefs take a ball of dough and shave the noodles into a pot of boiling hot water (see the video below). And, the festival we attended actually invited Chinese chefs from Nanjing to make the noodles! They were steaming hot, delicious, and definitely worthy of being Month 11's "featured food!"  

And without further ado...here is Month 11! 

Places Visited and Activities

-Higashiyama Koen Botanical Gardens: Since the botanical gardens are only about a 10-minute walk from our house, we try to visit at least once or twice every season. On this visit, we were able to enjoy lots of fall flowers. I can't believe how many flowers are still blooming! And, a few of the sakura (cherry blossom) trees even had some fall buds. I feel like it's Japan's way of letting us know that we will survive the winter - and spring will be here before we know it! 

-Trip to Koya-san - see previous blog post!

-Korankei in Toyota City: The foliage in Japan has been absolutely beautiful...though I don't think it's quite as beautiful as Michigan foliage. I am probably a bit biased!! The Japanese Maple trees (which have the most amazing leaves) are turning shades of yellow, orange, and red...often with all the colors in one tree. Giving the trees a rainbow-like appearance. Two of Kaz's coworkers invited us to join them in enjoying the foliage in Korankei (which is just outside of Toyota City and actually known as one of the best places to view foliage in all of Japan). On weekends, people literally wait hours just to get a parking spot. Luckily, by going on a Thursday night, we were able to beat the crowds. 

One thing I have learned about Japan is that they really like to have evening/night festivals in which they illuminate things. Illuminating the sakuara in the spring is probably an even bigger deal than the fall foliage. We have that on our list for next year! 

-Toyota Automobile Museum: Nagoya is known for its automotive industry (hence the reason that we are living here). And, Toyota has two museums (Toyota Automobile Museum; Toyota Museum of Industry and Technology) in Nagoya. So, on a rainy Sunday, we spent time exploring the automobile museum. The museum had a really impressive collection of old cars (that's what Kaz said at least...cars are not really my thing) and helped visitors to understand the ways in which cars have evolved...in both Japan and the rest of the world. I found it quite interesting to see the differences between cars in America and cars in Japan over the years...especially since nowadays they are basically the same. 

-Tokugawa-en: More foliage at a local park!

-Ise - more to come in a future blog post. 

-Cirque de Soleil - Totem: Cirque de Soleil is in Nagoya for the next couple of months. So, we spent a Friday evening enjoying "Totem" under the Big Top. Totem's theme is the evolution of humanity and the acrobatics had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire show. 

-Kyoto: Kaz's mom has been in Nagoya visiting for the past few weeks. We took advantage of a super sunny Saturday to spend the day wandering around Kyoto. Although, it was technically "past peak" when it came to the foliage - we still enjoyed some pretty stunning views! We even got to visit Eikan-do Zenrin-ji, which was a new spot for me...and we were lucky enough to be able to enjoy watching the sun set over the city from atop the pagoda. 

Cafes Enjoyed
-Komi Coffee (Koya-san)
-Beatnik Cafe (Nagoya)

Kit Kat Flavors Tasted

-None this month.

However, I just picked up a new flavor - Butter Cookie - which appears to be the seasonal flavor.

Victories

-Japan Support Network Learning Conference (Tokyo) - About a month ago, I received an email from a fellow American SLP in the Tokyo area asking me if I would be interested in giving a short presentation at an upcoming conference for professionals working in the international community/school systems. I was both excited and nervous at the idea...and, accepted the offer. On November 11, I gave a short one-hour presentation on implementing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with students and parents in the international community to a group of about 50 teachers, therapists, and professionals. And, I think it went rather well. I enjoyed the challenge of helping others to understand ACT (in a very short period of time) and helping them to think about how they could use some of the principles with their students/families. I also enjoyed the opportunity to talk with and learn from other professionals...especially since Nagoya has a much smaller international community than Tokyo. My colleague, Kim, also attended the conference...so we headed to Tokyo the day before. We were able to meet with an organization that provides psychological/counseling services to expat families...and we were also able to explore the area just a bit! 

-JLPT N5 Test - As I mentioned in my last blog post, I have been preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (Level 5) for the past two months. I took the test on Sunday...and I think it went "okay." I'll get the scores in January - so time will tell. I have to say I am very glad that I was familiar with the setup and structure of the test before I took it. Everything was in Japanese (since it was the universal language between the individuals present) and I didn't really understand anything that was said. Luckily, everyone in the room seemed to be relying on each other to know when to begin/when time was up. There were at least 100 people in my room (including 6 or 7 young children) and there was one other classroom of people taking N5. The other levels of the test were held in the building next door and seemed to have even more people than the N5. 

-Finished up a 10-week free online course called "The Science of Happiness" through UC Berkley. It was my first online course...ever...and I enjoyed it! 

-School has been picking up - and getting busier. I have just hit a point where I am actually working with more students than I was last year. I have also been meeting even more staff members and teachers this year...and in general, feeling more familiar and comfortable with the school and what I am doing! 

Goals

-With the anniversary of our first year in Japan quickly approaching - I am hoping to take some time to reflect on the past year...and also think about my goals for the next year in Japan.

-Get back into yoga. I've been doing some yoga on my own since coming to Japan - but it doesn't quite feel the same. So, I am hoping to find a studio and begin attending more regular classes starting in January. 

-Survive the "homesickness" that may arise from spending the Christmas and New Year's holidays away from family.  

Sun and Clouds

-This month - I decided to combine my "sun" and "clouds" sections...because this month was filled with days in which both seemed to exist simultaneously.  On November 17th, it was the nine-year anniversary since my mom passed away. For me, the day brought a whole slew of emotions. There's something about being in Japan...and having more alone time to think and process which has been bringing various thoughts and emotions to the surface. (I'm working on that blog post...as I type). Some of the sunny moments included my wonderful friends from the US surprising me by having flowers delivered to me; the beautiful sunset that I was able to enjoy; spending the evening enjoying the fall foliage - just like my mom loved to do; and, reading various people's message and memories they posted. The cloudy moments obviously centered around the intense "missing" I feel on a daily basis...and especially on days like anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, etc. 

Sun, clouds, and lots of love!
~Jaime

My Head Hurts: The Language Journey - 10 Months Later

If you were to ask me to give you a word or short phrase to describe my current thoughts about my "Japanese language learning journey" - I would have to say...あたまがいたいです。Which translates to - "My head hurts." 

About two months ago, my sensei mentioned to me that another student of hers was taking the Japanese proficiency test (aka - JLPT). The JLPT has five levels - N5 being the lowest and N1 being the highest (native speaker status). The test is offered twice a year - in July and December - and from what I understand, you can choose the test level that you want to take...based on where you are in your learning process. You don't have to pass N5 to take N4, for example. 

Japanese Homework

When I started this language journey - my main goal was to learn as much functional Japanese as I could. I wanted to be able to understand and speak enough to get through daily life. From the start - I had decided that both writing (because I can type) and learning kanji (the picture-symbol system) were not on my "learning list" - at least for year 1 - because they just weren't functional for me. During lessons, I follow the text book, and learn grammar rules and vocabulary. I work to increase my understanding of what others say to me, my ability to respond/communicate very basic wants/needs, and my basic reading skills (as long as it contains no kanji). 

So, ten months later - where are you in this journey...you ask?  Hmmm...that's a good question...and actually the question that lead to my decision to take the JLPT - N5 this coming weekend. During my lessons, I "feel" like I am progressing. I can understand more complex sentences, I can create sentences (usually using a target grammatical concept), I can read short paragraphs, and I can usually complete the homework at the end of the chapter...with help from the book, of course!

However, and this is a big however, what does this "progress" look like outside of my lessons? Not much different...to be honest. Without Japanese friends - my use of the language remains transactional. I can navigate the grocery store, the dryer cleaner, and public transit - as long as they follow the scripts I am used to. I can "get by" at restaurants - with a lot of pointing, using Google translate...and learning to be okay with eating things I didn't think/know I ordered. When Kaz tells me about his day - I can understand at least generally what he is talking about...context and knowing his typical routine helps a lot. I can follow conversations a bit more...depending on what they are about, who is talking, and how much English is being inserted. I can sometimes make out a sign, a subway announcement, or something that is said...however, I still cannot understand WAY more than I can. 

And, to be honest, I am not surprised...and I am not upset. Though, sometimes I have my days. I think I have started to "get used to" living in a world in which I can only minimally communicate and understand. Luckily, in many ways...like work, family, friends, and even TV (when we are able to stream US shows)...my world still functions mainly in English. I do wonder sometimes...where my skills would be, if English was not an option. Total immersion...my SLP brain knows that's one major way to increase learning. 

Since I am someone who likes to set goals for myself...and because I secretly wanted a more objective measure of my progress...I decided to "challenge" myself and take the N5. I told myself from the get-go that the test was to be "just for fun." And, I really haven't told anyone about it - until now - because I didn't want it to become stressful. Though with less than a week to go...I'm definitely feeling some stress...er, at least having a few weird dreams that involve not having a pencil and having to take the test in a field without a clock. Random...

These last two months of preparing for the test/studying in a different way have been interesting for me...and have lead to even more realizations about the language-learning process...AND, the way in which I learn language. Here are a few of my reflections...

1. Context is everything. 

The JLPT test has four main parts - at least at the N5 level. They are: vocabulary (which does include about 100 possible kanji), grammar, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. There is no oral expression (or open-ended) part of the test - it is all multiple choice. I have come to realize that out of these four areas - reading comprehension and listening comprehension are my strongest areas. And, I truly believe that context has a lot to do with this. With vocabulary and grammar - you either know it or you don't. However, if I am listening to a short conversation or reading a paragraph - all I really need to do is get the basic gist...and that gist can go a long way.

2. Previous experiences definitely shape how one views current experiences. 

While context does help quite a bit...I have learned that "my context" is often very different than "Japan's context." And, when this happens...confusion often results! Along with misunderstanding. The other day, I was reading a short paragraph which contained a lot of words that I didn't know. I was able to understand that a child had come home from school, turned the lights on in the living room, had a snack, and then went into their dark bedroom. From there - I was able to gather some additional bits...they turned their light on, they started playing guitar, and then another person was mentioned. My brain began to fill in the blanks...and I pieced together that the child's mom was outside and was able to hear the music outside of the window. However, to my surprise...the person was actually a random person - who was in the dark bedroom and then ran out of the room and house when they heard the music. The paragraph apparently ended with a statement about the child still not knowing to this day who the person in the house was. Scary!! 

Now, this paragraph may seem strange to most people...regardless of language or experience. My sensei thought it was equally as strange. However, I think it paints the picture perfectly of how we use "what we know" to help us fill in those "blanks." 

3. You learn language #2 through language #1.
Because I am working with many multiple-language learners, I have been taking some continuing education courses on topics such as determining difference versus disorder; and, what speech/language development of an additional language can look like. One of the topics that is brought up time after time...is that individuals use language #1 to learn language #2.  So, of particular interest to SLPs, are students who struggle in both languages...since that is more representative of a language disorder in general (that spans across languages) instead of simply a weakness in language #2 because of limited exposure.

Japanese sentence structure is completely different than English...and I am finding that my "English-way of thinking" makes using Japanese grammar extremely difficult. When listening to a sentence - I tend to focus on the meaning-filled words to get an idea. However, when I am given the words in a sentence and asked to put them in order...I struggle big time. And then, when I try to verbally create a grammatically-correct sentence...the struggle grows! Grammar has been my main area of focus as I prepare for this test...and whew, is it tough! I am constantly asking both Kaz and my sensei "why" something is a certain way or what the rule is. Some of the time - there is a rule; however, most of the time - there really isn't an answer - other than "it doesn't sound right when you word it that way." As frustrating as that response is...I realize that we use that reasoning/judgment all the time in English. I may not know what is wrong exactly - I just know it doesn't sound right. I think it's just fascinating that most of us just know...without being explicitly taught. 

4. There can be a huge difference between "learning" a language and "functionally" using a language. 
I've mentioned it before - and I'll mention it again, as I feel this thought bears repeating...SO MUCH goes into learning a language!! Through my test preparation...I have had to put various aspects of language aside in order to focus on other aspects...because my brain just cannot hold all of this information. At first, I was spending a lot of time learning grammar and vocabulary - but more in a memorization kind of way than a functional kind of way. The more I got into studying for the test - the more I started to realize that in "typical" test-like fashion...doing well on the test was going to be more about "outsmarting" the test than actually showing what I know when it comes to the Japanese language. Many of the test questions are worded in ways that are very tricky - and even Kaz struggled to understand some of the sample questions. I guess standardized tests everywhere are the same! 

As the test approaches, my plan is to take it...as I am not one who tends to back out of challenges that I've set for myself. However, after the test, my plan is to refocus my language journey a bit. Conversation and oral expression are definitely going to be at the top of my priority list.  My sensei and I have already talked about me allowing myself to struggle through lessons conducted mainly in Japanese - so I can start speaking more. I am hoping that as I shift this focus...the foundation that I have been building even more recently (through memorization-type activities) will surprise me by helping my conversational skills to improve even quicker. I guess we'll see how the journey goes! 

I'll close this post again with both the realization and appreciation for how naturally so many of us have acquired language. And, for the lessons that I am learning first-hand that continue to challenge me personally and professionally (as an SLP - who works to help children learn language). If you think of it...send some "pass N5" vibes my way on Sunday...and look for a future blog post about how the test played out! 

Sunny Moments: Language learning...
Cloudy Moments: Language learning...

Family Visits & Month 10 in Review

Dad and Sherri's visit marked the start of our tenth month in Japan. The summer heat and humidity has begun to subside and we've survived the rainiest September that I've ever experienced. The fall foliage hasn't quite begun; however, the cooler nights and mornings are reminders that fall is upon us! Fall is my absolute favorite season - and I am curious to see what fall is like in Japan. I've heard that foliage tends to peak around the first or second week of December...shouldn't it be snowing?! 

Instead of telling you all about Dad and Sherri's 12-day adventure in Japan...they decided that it might be fun for them to tell you about their trip...so you can get a different perspective than mine for a change. They put together a PowerPoint movie with pictures, happenings, and reflections on their time in Japan. Click on the link below and ENJOY! 

CLICK HERE! :)

Places Visited and Activities

-Dad and Sherri Visit - see above! 

-Celebrated our Second Anniversary - On October 18th, Kaz and I celebrated our second anniversary. We enjoyed a nice quiet dinner at home - which was much needed and enjoyed. I successfully made a caprese chicken dish with a cheese/cracker appetizer, an asparagus caesar salad, and cheese bread. We decided that the theme of the meal was "cheese" - and who doesn't like cheese? I really do think it should be a food group of its own! 

Our friend, Inga, sent us a text commenting on how it seemed as though we'd been married for more than two years...with all the adventures and happenings we've been through together. I have to say that her text matched my thoughts exactly. The past year has been filled with lots of transitions, changes, and adventures...and I'm lucky that Kaz is (and has been) by my side every step of the way.

20,000 Leagues under the Sea

-Tokyo Disney Sea - One of the things I quickly learned about Japan is that they love Disney! At least daily, I see kids and adults wearing clothes covered with various Disney characters. When dad and Sherri were here, we visited Universal Studios Japan...so that we could check "listening to Harry Potter speak Japanese" off of our "To-Do" list. In addition to USJ, Japan has both Disney World and Disney Sea in Tokyo. Both parks are within walking distance from each other - and the area feels similar to Orlando. 

Since Kaz and I have been to Disney World before, we didn't feel like fighting the crowds again in Japan. However, I was excited to visit Tokyo Disney Sea since it isn't a theme park that we have in the States. We'd heard that the park is packed on the weekends...so it's best to go during the week. We'd also heard that the Halloween season tends to be the busiest time...so it's best to avoid that time of year - if you don't want to wait hours in line. SO...naturally - we went on a Saturday during the Halloween season.

LINES?!

We got to the park early...right around the time it opened...and as we waited to get in, we made a plan about which "Fast Pass" to get first. At Disney Sea, you can get a Fast Pass every hour for a particular ride. Then, when you come back at the designated time listed on your pass - you don't have to wait in the long line. Randomly, we decided we'd get the Fast Pass for the newest ride...Toy Story. When we arrived at the ride, we were greeted by pure craziness...there was an hour wait JUST to get a Fast Pass for the ride?! The line literally looked to me like the beginning of a marathon - all you could see in front and behind you were people. To make a long story short, we did not get a Fast Pass...and we never rode the ride because there was a three-hour wait all day long. This was the case for many rides.

Aladdin

In addition to Mickey and Minnie, Japan has another Disney mascot...a bear named Duffy. And, not only were all the shops selling the bears - people were dressed like the bear and also carrying giant stuffed bears around with them. And it wasn't just kids...it was adults too! In fact, more adults were dressed like bears than kids! 

Little Mermaid

Regardless, we had a great time - and were able to ride some rides. We also watched a show in which all of the Disney villains fought each other in the middle of the water...the villains were featured for Halloween. To those who plan to visit - go early and possibly on a week day. Oh, and be sure to eat at the Mexican restaurant in the park...we had the best Mexican food we've had since coming to Japan. Kaz's rice even looked like Donald Duck. 

-Halloween - While Japan doesn't have the same holidays as the United States - they sure seem to enjoy celebrating our holidays! Leading up to Halloween - the stores were full of decorations and candy. And, we saw many children, teens, and adults dressed up in costumes. Upon asking some

Japanese teachers at school - children don't go trick-or-treating in Japan. However, over the last two to three years Halloween has become much more popular and often times children with have Halloween parties with their friends.

Cafes Enjoyed

- Cawaii Bread and Coffee - Tokyo 
- Chocolate by the Bald Man: Max Brenner - Tokyo

Kit Kat Flavors Tasted

-Daily Indulgence
-Momiji Manju 

Victories

-Although dad and Sherri were our third set of visitors in Japan - I still consider successfully showing them around Japan to be a success! On a day to day basis, I think I often lose sight of the fact that I have learned a lot about Japan in the past ten months. I really enjoyed getting the chance to show dad and Sherri a little bit of what my life is like here. Plus...it was really fun to see Japan through their eyes...the things they found similar, different, and also just plain odd! 

Goals

-Last month, one of the goals that I wanted to work on for myself was getting back into running. Even with the set back of withdrawing from my first half-marathon ever (which ended up being a good decision)...I've started the process. And, during the second half of this month, I've managed to run about three days per week. Step by step...I'll get there. 

-Continue to work on my class; and prep for my upcoming presentation in Tokyo 

-Step up my Japanese language learning...as I have set a challenge for myself at the beginning of December related to this process (more about this in Month 11)

-Channel the Thanksgiving holiday in Japan...since it's not recognized or celebrated here :(

Sunny Moments

-Visiting new places with dad and Sherri - Universal Studios Japan, Nikko

-Celebrating dad's retirement in person with a yummy shabu shabu dinner - Congratulations, Dad! 

-Winning free beer! Kaz collected stickers off of his beer cans and sent them in to a contest. Four months later - without any notice - a case of beer was hand delivered to our door! :)

Cloudy Moments

-Taking a huge fall while running

-Spiders, spiders, spiders...need I say more?! (There is something about Japan...and spiders that just seem to hang from the air)

 Sun, clouds, and lots of love!

~Jaime