August 2, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I am home from picking up Akiko and gonna eat soon.
Gonna be online again.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 2, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I was doing my new schedule from today.
I am waking up at 5:30 pm.
Then eating breakfast.
Then working out including weightlifting and situps.
Then I am riding the bike only ten kilometers in the farms.
Then I take Shai for a walk in the farms for between two and five kilometers.
I watched Shai today.
He was really good.
I took Akiko to the train station.
I took him for a walk.
Then he played and I worked a little upstairs.
Then I was feeding him.
Then he went poo and I gave him a bath.
Then he went to sleep for much of the afternoon.
He woke up and I gave him some food and he went poo again.
Then I gave him a bath.
Then I played with him.
Then I picked up Akiko and we went shopping.
Making my own new rules from today.
Cannot go out at night from Sunday to Thursday.
Can only drink a glass of wine and not get drunk Sunday to Thursday.
The house is good enough now.
Need to work at night and focus on the school and my career during the week.
Cannot work during the day now.
Want to get in good condition and be very successful.
Can look forward to the weekend and see you.
Can talk with you online during the week.
It might take a few minutes to send email to you because of working.
Anyway working from now.
Waiting for you to get home.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 2, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I think Akiko really likes the job.
The boss is a woman and was staying in American and can speak English.
This situation will be good now.
We will spend a lot of time away from each other like a Japanese couple.
This is good for both of us now.
I made a good house for my wife and now she can work.
I can watch Shai during the day with no problem.
Then at night I am going to focus on work.
I really like working and making a new business and connecting with people
around the world.
I am planning to work with you someday.
I am happy if you can be online tonight.
Send email when you can.
Howie
August 2, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Really I think you are very nice to say these things.
I cannot agree with you though.
The problems between me and Akiko will not go away because of the new situation.
We still do not fit with each other.
Being distant is not good for me.
Now will focus on work but want to be in a happy relationship someday.
Hopefully you understand about this.
Howie.
August 3, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I watched Shai again today.
The afternoon was a little difficult.
We went to Myoujin Mountain.
He was crying.
Going to be working more tonight.
Send email when you can.
Howie
August 3, 2010 - Email
Message -
Yes I think Akiko likes the job.
Now tired and drinking a bit more wine.
Really want a night of intimacy and passion.
Posted pictures online.
http://picasaweb.google.com/FunEasyEnglish.com/JapanPictures2#
Send email when you can.
August 3, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I am probably taking Shai to the mountain again.
I want to know if everything turned out good for you today.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 4, 2010 - Email
Message - Jim, Linda.
Hi. I wanted to give you an update. Akiko is working full time at an NPO in Nara
Japan. She works from 9-5 Monday thru Friday. There is no weekend work and not
any overtime which is unusual in Japan. She takes the bike to the train station
which is about a 15 minute ride each way. Then she takes the train for about 15
minutes and then walks another 15 minutes to the job. We all get up around 5:30
and eat breakfast together. Now I am working out a couple hours in the morning.
Akiko leaves at 8:00 am and I take Shai for a long walk in the farms. Then we
spend the day together. In the afternoon I take him to a mountain where I used
to go hiking a lot when I stayed in Japan for three months many years ago. It
takes about 20 minutes to drive to the mountain. I usually go to the top a
couple times which takes about an hour and a half. The trail is all asphalt and
concrete and through the middle of a forest which means it is shaded and since
it is pretty much the tallest mountain locally the breeze is incredible.
Probably about 20 degrees cooler at the top. Anyway it is good for me and Akiko
to be away from each other a lot now. It is also nice we are on a more normal
schedule now. I am working on the school site and will be teaching in the house
and online in the evenings and on the weekends. When the money is good enough
then Akiko will quit her job. Anyway kinda need a few things when you send the
package if not already sent. Can send you the money for the items I need. Really
not much. Anyway hopefully you are all doing well. Should be online much more
now since much of the house is finished. Send email when you can.
Howie, Akiko.
August 4, 2010 - Email
Message -
Yes I wanted to meet you too. Went to the mountain and made some new friends.
Actually I used to be very well known on the mountain many years before. Now
getting famous again. Today went up the mountain a couple times because Shai was
really good. Came home around 5:40 pm. Maybe you can be online tonight.
August 4, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I am not sleeping well these days but doing good.
I am keeping my workout schedule and relaxing every day now.
I think it is very good for me and Akiko to be spending the day away from each
other now.
We are becoming more distant but comfortable for both of us.
Shai is being really good every day.
We pretty much do the same routine every day.
It is good for a baby to do this.
Going to be online again tonight.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 5, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I wanted to meet you today.
In a previous email you said you would work a full day and could not meet early.
Because of this Akiko asked Okaachan to come to the house today.
She will stay until about 6:30 pm.
Then we will go shopping for food.
Next time she is not working I can take Shai to the other house and we can meet.
Kyou wa chotto zannen desu.
I am thinking about you.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 6, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I decided to pull weeds for a couple hours in the farm earlier today.
The woman who owns the farm is giving many yasai to us anytime.
I wanted to do something for receiving many things.
Then I rode the bike for ten kilometers.
Now I am going to work out in the house.
I am planning to be outside much of the afternoon and possibly a little bit
before lunch.
I am going to send email before going out.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 7, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I really wanted to talk to you tonight.
We went to Nara park.
When we came home me and Akiko were talking about many important things.
I am going to tell you more tomorrow.
Now I am really drunk and tired.
Maybe you are already sleeping.
Gonna sleep now.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 7, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I was kind of hoping you would send another email last night.
Anyway I am staining the stairs today and will not be able to use the computer
until the afternoon.
Planning to be outside before and after lunch though.
Maybe talk to you then.
Howie.
August 8, 2010 - Email
Message - Jim.
Hi. I am going to send the exact details of the things I would like you to send.
Gonna look them up online. Maybe sending pictures is better. Anyway a typhoon is
headed towards the other side of Japan. It looks like we might get a bit of
rain. Planning to put a new wall around the garden in the next few weeks. The
school site is getting better. Last night me and Akiko decided to take Shai to
this candle event in famous Nara Park. We took the train. It was really nice.
Hopefully you guys are doing well. Really wanna watch football. Send email when
you can.
Howie.
August 8, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I told you I was talking with Akiko about important things.
It was mostly family stuff.
The sister went with us last night.
She was really not nice again.
I decided not to make any effort with someone like this anymore.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 8, 2010 - Email
Message - John.
Hi. Akiko began working for an NPO in Nara last week. Now I am home with Shai
during the week. Since much of the house projects are finished, this works out
pretty good. We usually go to Myoujin mountain in the afternoon. This place is
really close and the view is incredible. It would be nice for all of us to go
there and do a picnic at the top. Anyway, still working on the school site and
should be accepting students soon. The link to the English Global Group site is
in the list of links. Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 8, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I went bike riding today.
Now I am going to work out.
Then I am taking Shai walking when Akiko leaves for work.
I was really happy about your email.
Want to talk to you about many things.
Tell me if you get a day off this week.
I think you said Friday.
Send email when you can.
Howie. |
|
August 10-12, 2010 - Tropical Storm Dianmu.
Tropical Storm Dianmu, which passed on the
western side of Japan over the last few days, brought a few
inches of torrential rains and a few awesome thunderstorms
to this humble little farming community. The much needed
rain was definitely welcome by the local farmers. |
August 11, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Recently I am working out around four hours every day including bike riding,
weight lifting, walking, and hiking.
It is to be strong for my family.
I want to be able to do things with my son when I am older.
Many days not feeling good and can barely complete the workout.
Then I think about Shai and it pushes me to finish.
Recently I am not drinking alcohol as much because I am watching him every day
and need to workout.
I am extremely tired but trying to work late at night.
Recently not sleeping much because of all this.
Cannot give up though.
Need to keep pushing myself.
Send email when you can. Howie.
August 12, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I am really happy to see you again.
I think six beers is good enough.
Maybe the salty snack with peanuts and some other long orange thing.
Really not sure of the name but it tastes good.
I know maybe I am crazy when I see you but going to control and only talk.
Yes many misunderstanding in email.
It will be really nice to see you again.
Howie.
August 13, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I really wanted to see you.
Planning to be out in the yard tomorrow again.
Going to visit a friend tonight and then go to Nara Park for an event.
Maybe you are online tonight.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 14, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I went to Nara Park with Akiko and Shai as you know.
Actually we went to friends hotel and met a couple from Greece and from France.
We took them to the park and talked to them for a long time.
It was fun.
The event was pretty average though.
We went to see dancing but it was too late.
We walked along time to get to a shrine which was pretty nice.
Anyway the little dude was really good the entire night.
I am thinking about you.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 15, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I want you to tell Babae thanks for the drink and snack.
Akiko and I drank the chuhi and it was really good.
Shai really liked the senbei very much.
I was really happy to see you today.
I am going to take a shower soon and then online.
Send email if you can be on the computer tonight.
Howie.
August 16, 2010 - Email
Message - Valerie.
Hi. I was absolutely thrilled to get your email. I am very happy you decided to
go into business. I graduated in the finance department but looking back
probably would choose marketing. It would be nice to chat someday and do your
homework with you. Been awhile but can probably remember much of the college
materials.
The condo is still available for you. Actually you can pick from a couple
options. The other room is rented until 9/25/2010 and the small room in the
living room is vacant of course. Let me know if you are interested in either.
Probably going to advertise the other room within the next week if you are not
interested. This is good chance for you to be in a quiet stable place. Really
hoping you move in.
Japan is really warm and very humid. Continuing to work on the house and getting
the school ready. Your stinky little brother is now walking and getting into
everything. Akiko is working Monday through Friday at a nonprofit. The money
sucks but the job is really easy.
Hey I love you and miss you very much. Send email about all this when you can.
Love,
Dad.
August 16, 2010 - Email
Message - Valerie.
Hi. I was absolutely thrilled to get your email. I am very happy you decided to
go into business. I graduated in the finance department but looking back
probably would choose marketing. It would be nice to chat someday and do your
homework with you. Been awhile but can probably remember much of the college
materials.
The condo is still available for you. Actually you can pick from a couple
options. The other room is rented until 9/25/2010 and the small room in the
living room is vacant of course. Let me know if you are interested in either.
Probably going to advertise the other room within the next week if you are not
interested. This is good chance for you to be in a quiet stable place. Really
hoping you move in.
Japan is really warm and very humid. Continuing to work on the house and getting
the school ready. Your stinky little brother is now walking and getting into
everything. Akiko is working Monday through Friday at a nonprofit. The money
sucks but the job is really easy.
Hey I love you and miss you very much. Send email about all this when you can.
Love,
Dad.
August 16, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I am really drunk now.
I need to sleep.
I want to see you tomorrow.
Same time at 9:15 am.
If you can bring nodogoshi and snack it would be nice.
Want to talk to you and kiss you and hold you.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 18, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. It was difficult to send email from the keitai in the afternoon because I
was holding Shai.
Yes last night Akiko went to her work party and the parents came for dinner.
It was actually nice spending the evening with only them.
It was very late when Akiko came home.
I think nobody knows you came to the house.
If they know then they are not saying anything about it.
Maybe very typical in Japan for people to be in an affair.
Anyway I am planning to get many things finished in the house the next few days.
Planning to be online tonight.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 19, 2010 - Email
Message - Jim, Linda .
Hi. Me and Akiko were thinking about chatting with you guys but it is way too
hot this week. The temperatures are in the nineties and combining the humidity
the index is 105 and higher. Using lots of bamboo and opening windows at the
appropriate times has kept the inside of the house pretty comfortable. Anyway
was waiting to tell you about the stuff to send until I was sure everything was
included. I was able to download the new security program for the computer but
still need to get turbotax to file for 2009. If it works online then only a
couple things I need from the states. Anyway things are basically going good.
Shai is walking now. Planning to go camping in a couple weeks. Hopefully you
guys are doing fantastic. Hey the SD baseball team is pretty incredible this
year. Send email when you can.
Howie, Akiko.
August 19, 2010 - Email
Message - Bjorn.
Hi. I think the good word is melting. Japan is fucking boiling hot now. The
locals insist this is an unusual year. The temps are pretty much hovering around
95 and combined with the humidity the index is over 105 every day. Using lots of
bamboo and other means of climate control and at least the inside of the house
is relatively comfortable.
Akiko is working full time now which puts me in the ranks of many of my friends
with a working wife and a stay at home husband. The house is pretty much
finished, at least for now, which gives me a lot more time with Shai and to do
the things I like.
The English school should begin next month but we are focusing more on the
Internet stuff these days. The sites continue to perform well despite the
absence of any significant updating over the last few months.
We are still hoping you guys can manage to visit us sometime in the near future.
We plan to be in this house for about three years before moving on to who knows
where.
No doubt you guys are doing really good. Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 20, 2010 - Email
Message -
Already called and not accepting new kids until next year.
August 22, 2010 - Email
Message -
Howie.
I think you are burning weeds now.
You are very sweat like taking shower.
You are really kawaii ne. I like sweaty and shining on your top very much.
I will drink beer tonight at dinner time. I really want to drink with you
though.
Anyway awhile ago, I went to the nearest store in Ikaruga for shopping some
food.
Then, I saw Kaito kun's family in the store.
Do you remember Kaito kun? His mother is Akichan's friend.
He came to Shai's birthday party with his mother.
His father seems young. I think he is around 30 years old.
Also his grand mother together.
Today Otsukaresama deshita.
Please drink Shochu and get drunk.
Bye Bye.
Ikuko.
August 24, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ayumi.
Hi. I think it really sucks you and me became distant again.
I am working out pretty much every day now.
I am really tan now.
Tonight I went to karaoke izakaya with Ikuko and the dad.
It was really fun.
I am very drunk now.
Akiko is working full time.
Now it is me and Shai together every day.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 24, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I was really happy to see you last night.
Please say thank you to your Dad again.
Pretty much back to the same routine today.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 25, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I talked many things with Akiko tonight.
Yappari things will not work out.
Thinking to not go camping this weekend.
I want to be alone and think.
Planning to go back to San Diego in December for a few months.
I am very sad in Japan.
I need to be around friends and take some time to think.
Hopefully you can understand about this.
Howie.
August 27, 2010 - Email
Message -
Linda.
Hi. I know you guys will be happy to finish the house project. My house is
coming along much better now. Japan is extremely hot and humid. The locals said
this year is unbelievable. The temperatures are in the nineties every day very
sticky. Temperatures inside the house are pretty comfortable though thanks to
the use of bamboo and other means of climate control.
Akiko is working now for an NPO in Nara which is a few train stations away from
the house. She rides the bike to the train station, takes the train, and then
walks to work. The job is really easy and laid back even compared with American
standards. She can wear anything to work and can pretty much come in and leave
anytime. She even can go shopping during work hours. The pay really sucks though
but at least she comes home happy every night.
Shai is walking like crazy now. I watch him during the day. We go for a walk
together in the morning and then hiking at a local mountain in the afternoon.
The trail up the mountain is tree lined and much cooler every day especially
when compared with the walk in the farms close to our house. He really likes to
be outside. Watching him makes it difficult to work though and we are thinking
about putting him in a preschool next year until we can really get the business
going.
Anyway about the stuff to send. Really need these things.
Vons brand of Ibuprofen 500 caplets – please get the store brand.
Just For Men – Mustache and Beard – Real Black – 4 Packages.
I am sending a picture of the items. Please do not substitute. Please let me
know the cost and I can reimburse you.
Hey pretty incredible the SD baseball team is like the top team now. The
playoffs will no doubt be televised in Japan.
We are going camping. If any questions please send email to me cell phone. Thank
you very much for doing this stuff for me. We really miss you guys. Send email
when you can.
Howie.
|
 August 28-29, 2010 - Yoshino, Shimokita
Mountain for some camping, fishing, and hiking, Shimokitayama
(Village) Mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara, Japan. Hanging
out in a small town before heading up the mountain. |
 Eating
a snack. |
 Sitting
in a hotel for a few minutes. |
 Souvenir
store on the way. |
 Tons
of tunnels on the way. |
 Another
souvenir store. |
 Playing
in the river. |
 Playing
in the river. |
 Playing
in the river. |
 Playing
in the river. |
 Same
river. |
 Dam
it. This formed a lake on the top of the mountain which was
really close to the campsite. |
 We
made it to the one room, really small cottage. Everyone
relaxing and drinking beer except for Shai who is sleeping. |
 Really
beautiful place. |
 Hiking
and drinking beer in this beautiful place. |
 Hiking
and drinking beer in this beautiful place. |
 Found
a really secluded spot and was fishing alone. |
 Pretty
much no people both times fishing |
 Caught
a small sunfish. |
 Fish
with Shai. |
 Akiko
cooked the fish for dinner. |
 Shai
was fascinated. |
 Went
to the hot springs in the afternoon before going back for
dinner. This was the first time for Shai to experience the
Japanese hot springs known as onsen. |
 Yeah
dinner, beer, and wine. |
 Really
fun time. |
 Shai
wide awake now. |
 Shai
doing a beer advertisement. |
 Shai,
the king of beers. |
 Really
small cottage. |
 Cottage
entry. |
 Walking
around at night. |
 This
was the only crappy, excuse the pun, part of the trip.
Japanese style toilet, yuk. Really not meant for someone
with lousy knees. |
 View
of the dam from close to the campsite. |
 Us. |
 Us. |
 Akiko
with the little dude. |
 Me
with the little dude. |
 Fishing
again. |
 Fishing
again. |
 Caught
a bass. |
 We
let it go back. |
 Cottage. |
 Cottage. |
 View
of the dam from the registration place. |
Odaigahara Mountain Hiking
August 29, 2010 - Hiking at Odaigahara
Mountain, Kamikitayama (Village) Mura, Yoshino-gun,
Nara-Mie, Japan. |
 Us
at the top of the mountain. |
 Us
at the top of the mountain. |
 Getting
ready for the hike. |
 Getting
ready for the hike. |
 Shai
playing with rocks. |
 Shai
playing with rocks. |
 Trail
map. |
 In
the parking lot before the hike. |
 In
the parking lot before the hike. |
 Now
on the trail. Carried the little dude all the way up to the
top of the mountain. |
 Trail. |
 Uprooted
tree. |
 Stairs
leading up to the top of the mountain. |
 More
stairs. |
 More
stairs. |
 More
stairs. |
 More
stairs. This was crazy. |
 Fog
at the top of the mountain |
 Us
at the top of the mountain. |
 Us
at the top of the mountain. |
 Watch
out for any lightning. |
 Explanation
of why this is the rainiest spot in Japan. |
 Trail
map. |
 Stairs
going back. |
 More
stairs. |
 More
stairs. |
 More
stairs. This is nuts. |
 Trail. |
 Trees
changing colors. |
 Almost
finished hiking. |
August 29, 2010 - Email
Message -
Hi. I am going to tell you about the weekend now.
I prepared pretty much everything on Friday night.
The next morning everything was packed into the car and the trip began around
8:30 am.
Drove to a shopping center to purchase food.
Then went to Yoshino.
Went to the river and stayed for about 30 minutes and ate lunch.
Then went up to the mountain at around 1:30 pm.
Registered for the cottage and then went there.
It was about a six tatami cottage.
Everyone was tired and stayed in the room.
I went hiking alone to the dam and went fishing.
It was very beautiful and was pretty much alone the entire time.
Actually caught a small fish.
Then tried to use keitai and it said out of service area.
Could not send email to you.
Was very disappointed.
Then took the fish back to the room.
Then everyone went to the onsen.
Took Shai into the onsen.
He was very good.
Many naked men looking at my penis.
Then went back to the room.
Then ate dinner and drank a lot of beer and wine.
Then walked with Akiko and showed the fishing place.
Then went back to the room.
Went outside to look at the moon and the stars.
Then on Sunday ate breakfast.
Went fishing alone again.
Pretty much no people around.
Caught a bass and took pictures and let it go back.
Then went to another mountain.
It is the rainiest place in Japan.
Went on a hike with Akiko for a couple kilometers and took Shai in the baby
backpack.
It was really nice.
Went to the top of a mountain.
Then came back to the house and everyone ate dinner together.
It was a very relaxing weekend.
Was thinking about you a lot.
Took many pictures.
Send email after you read this.
August 29, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I went for a bike ride already.
Then going out walking.
Really want to begin studying Japanese a lot from now.
I am thinking about you.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 30, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I was happy to see you.
I am still worried about being inconvenient for your family though.
I can answer your questions anytime.
Now I realize you do not experience many things.
It will be fun for you to do many new things with me then.
I am planning to go hiking again.
I am thinking about you.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
August 31, 2010 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I wanted to use the computer last night and was sleeping again.
Now working out a lot and drinking at night and very warm in the house.
It is difficult to use the computer.
Send email when you can.
Howie. |
