Sorry it's been so long, ladies and gentlemen. I recently got back from a trip to Kyoto and Osaka with some friends!
It was AMAZING! We went to so many different temples and the castles, we even saw Harry Potter world in Universal Studios Japan! I had so much fun!
I've been doing well lately, classes are interesting and I've been completing my research. Pretty soon, I'll be able to translate it and turn it in!
I'm really excited to be able to relax for a while. I'm also super excited to be able to have my dad come visit me in Japan in a few months!
I sometimes wish that I had taken more classes, or maybe that I could speed up the classes I am in; but it's okay because even if the class doesn't feel fast, we are doing a LOT of presentations, which are super interesting because I get to find out about China, Indonesia, Korea and Thai while learning Japanese! ^.^
It's really amazing how people can lead such different lives just because of the area they were born in!
I can't believe that I've been here for almost 6 months now! Time is going by so fast!
I have really good friends here!
Special mention: Paloma-chan, Ririn-chan, Azumi-chan, JungUn-chan, and Ryuu-chan!
I will admit that I miss my family back home though, I want to see my sister and brothers again soon, as well as my mom and dad.
Byebye for now, I'll update sooner this time ^.^
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
Today was my second day in school here. It has been really fun, minus a few inconveniences. Yesterday I had Korean class, and today was Japanese. I really like the new kids we got from Thai, Indonesia and Korea. They're really nice and funny.
I am planning a trip over to Tokyo soon to go to either a baseball game, or if I can't do that, I want to go to their official shop. I'm a little sad, my best friend got days off work finally, but I started classes so we can't play. Also, I had to buy the Korean class textbook, which wasn't SUPER expensive like they are in the US but it was still kinda pricey.
I miss my family. Soon it's going to be my little brothers' birthday but I won't be able to be there, and it makes me really sad when I think about it.
Tomorrow I'm really busy. I have classes from 10:40 to 4:20. Comparative literature, Japanese and then Chinese. It should be interesting though, I'm excited.
I am planning a trip over to Tokyo soon to go to either a baseball game, or if I can't do that, I want to go to their official shop. I'm a little sad, my best friend got days off work finally, but I started classes so we can't play. Also, I had to buy the Korean class textbook, which wasn't SUPER expensive like they are in the US but it was still kinda pricey.
I miss my family. Soon it's going to be my little brothers' birthday but I won't be able to be there, and it makes me really sad when I think about it.
Tomorrow I'm really busy. I have classes from 10:40 to 4:20. Comparative literature, Japanese and then Chinese. It should be interesting though, I'm excited.
Friday, September 9, 2016
It's been a while, everyone. I haven't been on since... before Ra-san (the Chinese girl who lives here at Center) broke her foot in a bicycle accident.
Since then, a lot has happened. I went to the doctor once more for diabetes, which costs SO MUCH and apparently because it's a preexisting condition, I will get ZERO help from the government here to get insulin. Not exactly thrilling news.
Other than that though, I am happy to announce that Paloma is totally the absolute BEST friend that anyone like me could have. She is super chill when we hang out and enjoys the occasional beer, but is also one of the most dedicated and honest people that I think I have ever met. She is spending almost every night of the week (after getting home from working 9-5 every day except Tuesday and Wednesday) studying for the Japanese Language N2 test. She is taking the test in December and desperately wants to do well so that she can maybe have a chance to come back here and get her Master's degree in Marketing (since in Brazil, that kind of degree isn't commonplace).
Ra-san has been teaching me how to cook Chinese food, since that is what she eats, and since I'm helping her out while she's on crutches I've been getting quite good. It's been about 3 weeks since her injury and she's already getting much better and is really a fun and nice person (which I probably would never had known if not for the injury itself). I am really happy to be around her so much, even if sometimes I just want to find something microwavable to eat ^.^
The amusing thing is what happened on Sunday. I was biking over to get some grocery shopping done and I got hit by a car. I'm okay, other than some muscle damage in my knee; but the irony is not lost on me. Helping out the girl who got in an accident, and I get into an accident too? Sounds like a bad case of 'Final destination". I'm attaching pictures to this update.
I found out that my brothers started Kindergarten a couple days ago. I'm so happy and proud of them, they're getting so big. Collin also lost his first tooth, and if I know them Connor is probably desperate for his own to fall out (competitive lil squishies).
I got my class schedule sorted out and turned in to my professors. I am taking: Three Japanese courses, a Chinese class, a Korean class, a French class, a Communications course, and a Japanese-English comparative literature lecture. It's a little crowded but she said that I can go to the first course and then decide if I want to continue, which I might not, I already took 2 years of French and this is a beginners course so... who knows.
My latest blood sugars have been good, I got a 110 this morning before heading to the hospital for my shock therapy on my leg. I really do hope that it gets better soon, I'm climbing Mt Fuji on Tuesday with Paloma and Daniella-san.
Since then, a lot has happened. I went to the doctor once more for diabetes, which costs SO MUCH and apparently because it's a preexisting condition, I will get ZERO help from the government here to get insulin. Not exactly thrilling news.
Other than that though, I am happy to announce that Paloma is totally the absolute BEST friend that anyone like me could have. She is super chill when we hang out and enjoys the occasional beer, but is also one of the most dedicated and honest people that I think I have ever met. She is spending almost every night of the week (after getting home from working 9-5 every day except Tuesday and Wednesday) studying for the Japanese Language N2 test. She is taking the test in December and desperately wants to do well so that she can maybe have a chance to come back here and get her Master's degree in Marketing (since in Brazil, that kind of degree isn't commonplace).
Ra-san has been teaching me how to cook Chinese food, since that is what she eats, and since I'm helping her out while she's on crutches I've been getting quite good. It's been about 3 weeks since her injury and she's already getting much better and is really a fun and nice person (which I probably would never had known if not for the injury itself). I am really happy to be around her so much, even if sometimes I just want to find something microwavable to eat ^.^
The amusing thing is what happened on Sunday. I was biking over to get some grocery shopping done and I got hit by a car. I'm okay, other than some muscle damage in my knee; but the irony is not lost on me. Helping out the girl who got in an accident, and I get into an accident too? Sounds like a bad case of 'Final destination". I'm attaching pictures to this update.
I found out that my brothers started Kindergarten a couple days ago. I'm so happy and proud of them, they're getting so big. Collin also lost his first tooth, and if I know them Connor is probably desperate for his own to fall out (competitive lil squishies).
I got my class schedule sorted out and turned in to my professors. I am taking: Three Japanese courses, a Chinese class, a Korean class, a French class, a Communications course, and a Japanese-English comparative literature lecture. It's a little crowded but she said that I can go to the first course and then decide if I want to continue, which I might not, I already took 2 years of French and this is a beginners course so... who knows.
My latest blood sugars have been good, I got a 110 this morning before heading to the hospital for my shock therapy on my leg. I really do hope that it gets better soon, I'm climbing Mt Fuji on Tuesday with Paloma and Daniella-san.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
I am going to bed soon, a little earlier than usual due to the early morning ride to Tokyo tomorrow! A new person came to live at the center with us a day or two after me, and her computer is broken. So we are going to Tokyo early tomorrow morning and meeting with the Apple people at noon.
I have been having a lot of fun here, with everything from going to karaoke for the first time to helping be staff for the Cambodia Day presentation today!
So far I have been to three classes, one is the basic Japanese class, one was a Korean class taught in Japanese, and the last is a Comparison of Japanese Culture class. For that course I read the book 'Kitchen' which I personally thought was very dark and kind of a psychologist's dream... but it was very well written and captured my attention. I think I finished it in about 45 minutes... maybe shorter.
I met the Vice Governor here, which was amazing, though I felt awkward because the other people all brought gifts from their country and I was the only one who didn't... so that made me feel a little uncomfortable. But other than that, she was very nice and afterwards a few of us went to lunch, I meant to take a picture to add to the blog but I forgot because it looked super good at the time!
My friend here is working at the Government building, and has been doing translations for the International Affairs Division, which makes me SUPER jealous, because that's basically my dream job ^.^ but I am getting hours of translation done for my final classes before I graduate so I can't complain.
Alright, off to bed for me, waking up early is NEVER easy, no matter what anyone says.
I have been having a lot of fun here, with everything from going to karaoke for the first time to helping be staff for the Cambodia Day presentation today!
So far I have been to three classes, one is the basic Japanese class, one was a Korean class taught in Japanese, and the last is a Comparison of Japanese Culture class. For that course I read the book 'Kitchen' which I personally thought was very dark and kind of a psychologist's dream... but it was very well written and captured my attention. I think I finished it in about 45 minutes... maybe shorter.
I met the Vice Governor here, which was amazing, though I felt awkward because the other people all brought gifts from their country and I was the only one who didn't... so that made me feel a little uncomfortable. But other than that, she was very nice and afterwards a few of us went to lunch, I meant to take a picture to add to the blog but I forgot because it looked super good at the time!
My friend here is working at the Government building, and has been doing translations for the International Affairs Division, which makes me SUPER jealous, because that's basically my dream job ^.^ but I am getting hours of translation done for my final classes before I graduate so I can't complain.
Alright, off to bed for me, waking up early is NEVER easy, no matter what anyone says.
Monday, July 4, 2016
After being in Japan a week, I can say with full certainty that I was not prepared for the 'what do I need to get from the store so I'm not eating bread for every meal' thing.
Although I will say that part of that has to do with the whole jetlag-loss-of-appetite thing.
Outside of that, I can happily say that being in Kofu has been one of the most interesting and fun experiences in a while. I have been to the College several times, as well as out bowling with friends, swimming in Lake Motosu, and experiencing my first ever Yoga class.
I'll be heading back in to the school tomorrow to get my student ID done and then FINALLY going shopping, like real ADULT shopping.
On the other hand, if anybody knows any good recipes for basic few-ingredient dishes, please let me know!
Although I will say that part of that has to do with the whole jetlag-loss-of-appetite thing.
Outside of that, I can happily say that being in Kofu has been one of the most interesting and fun experiences in a while. I have been to the College several times, as well as out bowling with friends, swimming in Lake Motosu, and experiencing my first ever Yoga class.
I'll be heading back in to the school tomorrow to get my student ID done and then FINALLY going shopping, like real ADULT shopping.
On the other hand, if anybody knows any good recipes for basic few-ingredient dishes, please let me know!
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Sitting in the airport is the first time that I've really FELT like I am leaving. Leaving my dad, mom, brothers, sister, cousins, home, and birth-country.
So far, I have stood in a 45 minute security line, which anyone who travels knows ISN'T THAT HORRIBLE which is sad; I have also held my passport with the tickets in it like all the movie people do... 😊 just for giggles, and I am about to endure the EXTREMELY high airport food prices (or maybe just extremely high Starbucks prices??? Not sure which is worse).
All in all, after having spent some wonderful time with my family in Seattle, which is beautiful, I can contentedly say that I am okay with leaving.
I have spent a lot of time in my sister's shadow, and even some in my father's shadow; I am ready to be looked at like mysef, by people who have never met my family.
I am (Cliché incoming) spreading my wings.
Let's hope they hold my weight.
So far, I have stood in a 45 minute security line, which anyone who travels knows ISN'T THAT HORRIBLE which is sad; I have also held my passport with the tickets in it like all the movie people do... 😊 just for giggles, and I am about to endure the EXTREMELY high airport food prices (or maybe just extremely high Starbucks prices??? Not sure which is worse).
All in all, after having spent some wonderful time with my family in Seattle, which is beautiful, I can contentedly say that I am okay with leaving.
I have spent a lot of time in my sister's shadow, and even some in my father's shadow; I am ready to be looked at like mysef, by people who have never met my family.
I am (Cliché incoming) spreading my wings.
Let's hope they hold my weight.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
It's now less than two weeks before I leave and I should be super excited and nervous...
Instead I'm angry and exasperated.
I am the first person with medication needs to go on this scholarship, and so far I think it's INSANE.
I filled out the Yakkan Shoumei, I got a chest x-ray for tuberculosis, I got tons of new immunization shots and I've called my doctor, my endocrinologist, and my insurance more times than I would like to ever again.
Now, today was the start date for my insurance override. I have to go purchase 10 months worth of insulin, because my insurance won't cover it should I need any in Japan. Not only is this incredibly stressful for me, but I can't even bring 10 months supply. Because of regulations, I can only bring 2 months supply into Japan upon my entry. This means that my mom or dad will have to store (in their fridge, because insulin is heat-sensitive) the other 8 months supply, and ship some to me every two months.
More about that later. Now, I called the place I pick up insulin from to ask if they had my order ready. The woman on the phone replied that they had 6 bottles for me.
SIX.
I go through 4 bottles PER MONTH. What exactly am I supposed to do with six bottles?
Now, I just had to call my doctor again, ask for the prescription again, and might still have to call my insurance company AGAIN.
This wouldn't be that bad, if the override (allowing me to get more insulin than my monthly quota) was more than 3 days long.
Now, back to the Yakkan Shoumei.
I wouldn't mind filling out the forms to bring my diabetic supplies into Japan, if I didn't have to fill them out every time someone in my family sends me a shipment with more supplies. (If any of you are unfamiliar with shipping costs to Japan, DON'T LOOK IT UP, it'll make you want to cry).
If you are diabetic, or have any medication needs, be prepared to have to do like 7x the work that everybody else did, just because you were born differently.
So, yes, today I am angry. Tomorrow I will probably be bitter. Give me a week and I'll feel better about this, but for now, don't expect me to be super happy 24/7.
Instead I'm angry and exasperated.
I am the first person with medication needs to go on this scholarship, and so far I think it's INSANE.
I filled out the Yakkan Shoumei, I got a chest x-ray for tuberculosis, I got tons of new immunization shots and I've called my doctor, my endocrinologist, and my insurance more times than I would like to ever again.
Now, today was the start date for my insurance override. I have to go purchase 10 months worth of insulin, because my insurance won't cover it should I need any in Japan. Not only is this incredibly stressful for me, but I can't even bring 10 months supply. Because of regulations, I can only bring 2 months supply into Japan upon my entry. This means that my mom or dad will have to store (in their fridge, because insulin is heat-sensitive) the other 8 months supply, and ship some to me every two months.
More about that later. Now, I called the place I pick up insulin from to ask if they had my order ready. The woman on the phone replied that they had 6 bottles for me.
SIX.
I go through 4 bottles PER MONTH. What exactly am I supposed to do with six bottles?
Now, I just had to call my doctor again, ask for the prescription again, and might still have to call my insurance company AGAIN.
This wouldn't be that bad, if the override (allowing me to get more insulin than my monthly quota) was more than 3 days long.
Now, back to the Yakkan Shoumei.
I wouldn't mind filling out the forms to bring my diabetic supplies into Japan, if I didn't have to fill them out every time someone in my family sends me a shipment with more supplies. (If any of you are unfamiliar with shipping costs to Japan, DON'T LOOK IT UP, it'll make you want to cry).
If you are diabetic, or have any medication needs, be prepared to have to do like 7x the work that everybody else did, just because you were born differently.
So, yes, today I am angry. Tomorrow I will probably be bitter. Give me a week and I'll feel better about this, but for now, don't expect me to be super happy 24/7.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
So, it's about 15 days before I get on a plane over to Japan!
I was chosen this January to be the Citizen Diplomat between Iowa and Kofu. I am SO grateful to the Iowa Sister States program and the Japanese government who sponsor this scholarship every year.
I will be studying at Yamanashi Prefectural University in Kofu, while also running a research program.
My name is Katherine (Kate) Shaw, and I am a 19 year old female with type one diabetes. I was diagnosed when I was 5 years old and have lived with it for almost 15 years now. I have an older sister and two younger brothers, as well as my mom and dad.
I am in my final semester at DMACC in Des Moines, where I will graduate with an Associates Degree in Japanese Healthcare Interpretation and Translation. I have been studying Japanese for about 6 years now and couldn't go on the class trip to Japan a few years ago, so this is a dream come true for me.
I will be studying Japanese law and nursing at University. My research project is looking into how the implementation of permanent businesses showcasing transgender culture (places like cosplay cafes and cross-dressing cafes) have affected the acceptance levels of transgender people in the surrounding areas.
So far, I have gotten a passport (this will be my first trip out of country), a visa (since I am staying for 10 months), and the yakkan shoumei (which is the medication form that needs to be filled out in order to bring my medication to Japan).
I will be updating very frequently, with all kinds of fun and crazy stuff that I run into on my trip!
See you later!
Kate
I was chosen this January to be the Citizen Diplomat between Iowa and Kofu. I am SO grateful to the Iowa Sister States program and the Japanese government who sponsor this scholarship every year.
I will be studying at Yamanashi Prefectural University in Kofu, while also running a research program.
My name is Katherine (Kate) Shaw, and I am a 19 year old female with type one diabetes. I was diagnosed when I was 5 years old and have lived with it for almost 15 years now. I have an older sister and two younger brothers, as well as my mom and dad.
I am in my final semester at DMACC in Des Moines, where I will graduate with an Associates Degree in Japanese Healthcare Interpretation and Translation. I have been studying Japanese for about 6 years now and couldn't go on the class trip to Japan a few years ago, so this is a dream come true for me.
I will be studying Japanese law and nursing at University. My research project is looking into how the implementation of permanent businesses showcasing transgender culture (places like cosplay cafes and cross-dressing cafes) have affected the acceptance levels of transgender people in the surrounding areas.
So far, I have gotten a passport (this will be my first trip out of country), a visa (since I am staying for 10 months), and the yakkan shoumei (which is the medication form that needs to be filled out in order to bring my medication to Japan).
I will be updating very frequently, with all kinds of fun and crazy stuff that I run into on my trip!
See you later!
Kate
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