Irasshai and welcome. After much mulling over a new name for my San Francisco based blog, I have chosen www.kokochi.com.
Thanks for the many suggestions. I really liked them, but I also wanted a Japanese title since the Tokyo one had been English.
Kokochi means comfortable and pleasant...in my mind, kind of like old jeans or a nice sofa after a long day of work. It is written with 2 kanji characters: heart (koko) and land (chi). Thus there is also a connotation of comfiness linked to a place. I wanted to capture, somehow, the 'ahhhhh' feeling I get from being in San Francisco. I didn't grow up here and actually haven't spent much time here, but from the very first day, it clicked. Certain parts of me were like, "see, you aren't weird. you fit in cuz everyone is weird here." I sometimes wonder if I lived here in a past life and so now feel some sort of gut connection. Who knows.
So, I won't be posting on TokyoTidbits, unless I go back to Tokyo (just writing that brings sniffles...) My new chapter will be documented at kokochi.com. Ready for another ride?
Yes, I am alive and kicking. I have much to say, but at the same time have too much to cover, so I'm overwhelmed as to where I should begin. I'm gradually figuring out my groove here, and thanks to Dav, I have an eye on a mobile phone with picture and video capability. Once I get that up and working, my posting urge should be more regular.
You see, posting in Tokyo really was a natural part of my daily life. Kinda like brushing teeth. And even though I've lived here before, I've never blogged. So I've been feeling a bit awkward. Been wondering how to get started. I certainly don't want to force myself to post something just because, so I've been waiting for some sorta moment. Even now, actually, I'm more explaining where I've been instead of rambling on a random experience or observation. I guess we'll have to see how things develop. Having a phone outta make me feel whole again!
Things have been crazy busy though. Only in the past few days have I had the space to think about blogging.
In the 2 days after landing here in SF, I had to get prepared for Burning Man (living in the brutal desert for over a week can't be taken lightly), drop my freaked out cats at my friend's, and help prepare load the 24 ft. truck our camp rents out together...all the while dealing with the worst jet lag I've ever experienced (probably cuz I hadn't slept much the days before leaving Japan so I was pretty messed up).
I had planned that once BM was over, Dav and I could work to get my alternative sight up and running, but he got called away on business for a week the day after BM! Talking about a harsh transition back to reality. And the server for the site went haywire so it was down for a while. During the 3 days after BM, I helped unpack, return the truck, and attend to the other post-party to-do's. Meanwhile there was/is much to do to make my new home function and feel homey. So I've been running around getting my stuff out of storage, buying necessities, learning about the neighborhood, etc. This is all quite fun for me, and I can only say that I'm treasuring every second with Dav!
Things that have made me think, "ah, I'm in this fabulous town/city SF that is bursting with diversity and creativity that *almost* makes me wanna wear a 'I love SF' T-shirt":
* got a $6 haircut in the Mission by a sweet old woman who couldn't speak English. I don't speak Spanish and the cut is one of the best I've ever had. It took 10 minutes. Then I walked down the block and had a wonderful (and cheap) falafel sandwich.
* I drive over the Bay Bridge from the east bay towards the city at dusk and saw how amazingly beautiful this place is. This is a quaint city that still has the natural beauty to take your breath away.
* Going to Trader Joe's and just walking up and down the aisles drooling and laughing at the incredibly low prices. I can buy all the peanut butter, Nancy's yogurt, and cheese I want! Can't get better than this!
* Dealing with the huge pile of garbage from BM for our whole camp, it was way over our weekly allowance. I was expecting to be slapped with an extra charge, but upon meeting our cheerful garbage men one morning, they said they'd take care of it all for a 6 pack of beer. Works for me...especially after dealing with Tokyo's nazi garbage and having to buy special tickets and make reservations to throw away anything that wouldn't fit in those designated Tokyo Garbage bags.
* Trying to buy the best deal for kitty litter and finding myself with a 50 lb bag. Luckily a very friendly store person loaded the bag in the car for me.
* When picking up our 24 ft. renta truck, finding they had a 15 ft. one for us. Took a long time to get that straightened out. Then for a minor fender bender, I followed up on a fax report I submitted only to hear that they couldn't find it. I faxed it again and am still waiting to hear from them. Everyone is just so damn relaxed!
*Craig's List. Need I say more?
Good to be back with you!