|
January 2011 - Email
Message -
Andraz.
Hi. Hey no problem about the food and of course you are welcome at our home
anytime. Actually already knew about utorrent but was a little worried to use
it. Some say it is an easy way to get computer problems while others say
everything is good as long as you scan the files you download. Akiko said you
watched an entire season of Chuck already. Pretty good show yeah. Anyway another
party on 19 of next month. No doubt you can make it. Send email when you can.
Howie. |
 January 1, 2011
- New Years Day. We
went to Nara Park to begin the new year. We ate at a nice,
and reasonable priced Israeli restaurant called Falafel
Garden. We spent time with the deer in the park and then
went to a world famous temple. We went out for coffee at my
new favorite coffee shop. Then we spent the evening with
family and eating special new years food.Train
Ride - This was the first train ride for Shai in
2011. We are on our way to Nara park. |
 Falafel
Garden - We ate a really nice lunch at this Israeli
restaurant. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. |
 Shika
- We bought sebei (rice crackers) to feed to the Shika
(deer) in Nara Park. Shai went crazy running around. |
 Todaiji
- We visited this temple which is a world heritage site and
the largest wooden builging in the world. |
 Tullys
- We went out for coffee at my new favorite coffee shop.
Pretty much a Starbucks wannabee but considerably cheaper.
We ate dinner with the family in the evening. |
January 1, 2011 - Email
Message - Jim, Linda.
Hi. I was really happy we could countdown to the new year with you last night.
Hopefully this year will be much better and easier for everyone. Looking forward
to chatting with you again. Send email when you can.
Howie, Akiko, Shai.
January 1, 2011 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I wanted to send an email to you before going out today.
Last night went very well.
Actually the entire day was really nice.
Me and Akiko went to Nara Park again with Shai and spent much of the afternoon.
Shai was able to run around.
We went to an Israeli restaurant.
Then went out for coffee.
Then went to the house for dinner.
Tell you more when we meet.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 1, 2011 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I am going to be those things you asked and be good to you.
I want you to be the same.
I am thinking about you anytime.
We should make this a really nice year.
Send email when you can.
Howie. |
 January 2, 2011
- Another Trip to
Nara Park. We
went back to the park to take advantage of a bit warmer
temperatures. We ate take out food in the park and then went
to another temple with an incredible view. Before returning
home we found ourselves again at Tullys coffee shop.Temple
With View
- We needed to do a bit of hiking to get to this place but
well worth it. |
 Yatai
- We walked along the main road into the park. As usual the
road was lined with many Yatai (food stands) selling all
kinds of delicious but overpriced food. |
 Tullys
- Yup we ended up at Tullys again. Really nice but miss
hanging out at Einsteins. |
January 2, 2011 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I am updating the SD site now.
Really enjoyed this restaurant and the food.
Should meet on Tuesday.
Went to Nara Park again today and went to different places.
Really nice view.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 2, 2011 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I can meet you tomorrow if you want. I am planning to eat lunch before you
come. Please eat before you come and then you will not be hungry. You do not
need to bring snacks. Really not eating those things this year. Will send time
later today. Send email when you can.
Howie. |
 January
3, 2011 - New Years Party. This
was the long awaited new years party with the family our
friend from Slovania. His name is Andraz, he is from
Slovania, and he works with
Akiko. Pretty much ate and drank the entire afternoon and
evening. Really fun time. |
January
3, 2011 -
Facebook Comment - Hi. We are keeping warm in Japan even though recent
temperatures cooled off a lot. Posted pictures of the wife
and the little dude on my site. Take a look when you can.
January 3, 2011 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I was really happy to see you today. Yappari it is difficult to really relax
with you when I am watching the little dude. Really should try to plan some time
together when it is warmer. You can take me to Osaka and go crazy. Came back
from walking and not very warm. Planning to be online for awhile. Send email
when you can.
Howie.
January 4, 2011 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I was happy to read your email. It was very positive and good. Yes it would
be nice to do a nabe party with only your family on either of the days you
talked about. I am really tired from a few days of walking and drinking. Still
trying to figure out the site problem. Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 5, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko. Hi. I am hoping you can be
better for this weekend. It will not be the same without you
in class and of course I want you to come to the party.
Going to be online much of today as usual. Want you to join
some online things. Can explain tonight if you are online.
Send email when you can. Howie.
January 6, 2011 - Email
Message -
Ikuko.
Hi. I really want you to do some Internet things if you can including joining
Facebook. Now I am making many changed and learning a lot of new technology. It
is easier to do these things with you if you join and understand many things. It
is a good opportunity for you to learn many new things. Really do not worry
about missing class this weekend. Take time at home and relax. It is much more
important for me if you can come to the party. Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 6, 2011 - Email
Message -
Keeko. Hi. We are making another party this weekend. You can
see details on my English Global Group school site.
http://englishglobalgroup.com/
Date: 1/8/2011
Time: 1:00 pm until late in the evening
Location: In our home
Guests are bringing food like American style pot luck.
Yes of course you are welcome to bring your friend.
You can come anytime since party will continue for a long time at night.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 7, 2011 - Email
Message -
Miyuki. Hi. I want you to know the last year was very
difficult for me and Akiko. Many problems with the family
and of course the house put a lot of distance between us. In
fact I almost returned to SD many times. Things seem to be
much better since the new year. Need to wait and see. Worked
on this house for almost a year and now much better. Thanks
for listening. Hopefully you are doing well. You know
anytime you can talk with me about anything. Send email when
you can.
Howie.
January 7, 2011 - Email
Message -
Heeey! How have you been?
What a beatiful your Shai is! Finally, got married last fall.
But, I do not feel I can be a mother. I'm just not ready.
We also need to build a house some day.
Here in Toyama, we had white Christmas and Osyogatsu.
Wish you and your family a very happy new year!
Looking forward to seeing your great house!
SAKI.
January 7, 2011 - Email
Message -
Larry. Hi. I was really happy to receive your email and
update. Pretty incredible amount of snow. This location is
really cold but no snow to speak of. Really good you are
getting Thai into computers. Planning to get Shai on a
computer sometime this Summer. Funny what you say about
Asian kids. Shai is also half and seems really drawn to cell
phones, remotes, and computers. Kids who are up on
technology will be way ahead of the game. Yeah really miss
hanging out at the bagel shop but definitely do not miss the
drama. Probably better to stay away. Japan is a wonderful
place to be in many respects. Really safe and polite.
Neighbors are wonderful. Made many close friends and in fact
we began making a party every month recently. You can see
pictures on my site.
http://howiehayman.com/
Group thinking tends to be kind of a lot at times though.
Really need to hold my thinking in many situations. In
addition it takes people a long time to make a decision
compared to Americans. Really nice overall. Actually the
school is beginning to get attention in this countryside
location. Again it takes people awhile to join but should be
better soon. Akiko continues to work full time and I am home
with Shai now. Really happy Thai enjoyed the fishing. Would
be nice to get together and do it again. Actually fuel
prices in Japan are pretty much around five bucks a gallon.
No matter because I cannot drive anyway now. Could not pass
the driving test. Takes some foreigners over ten times to
pass. No worries though we use the train and backpack
shopping. Let me know if you ever want to do online chat.
You know you guys are welcome to visit and stay with us
anytime. Planning to use Facebook much more now. In fact
installing some of their applications on my sites. Need to
keep up with the trend. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 8, 2011 -
Email Message - Ikuko.
Maybe Akiko will do sogi. Planning to go next house with
Shai because we are jama. Can you go there again?
January 8, 2011 -
Email Message - Then I
can meet you soon. Please wait next house. Ikuko. |
 January
8, 2011 - Happy New Years
Party. This
turned out to be the best party for sure. This picture was
towards the end of the night. Many people already went home
and a few stayed overnight. We were eating, drinking, and
singing, until almost morning. |
 January
9, 2011 - Small Dinner
Party. Yeah
we decided on another party the next night but with only a
few friends this time. Knocked out a cabernet from Chile and
ate Nabe. Chikachan, Taechan, and Andraz joined us this
time. Another nice night. |
January 9, 2011 -
Email Message - Ikuko.
Hey please do not talk about Mikichan. Now I am really feeling uncomfortable. I
cannot remember many things from last night. I am considering to cancel all
parties and quit drinking alcohol. It is not good thing for me now. I cannot
enjoy party tonight. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 9, 2011 -
Email Message - Ikuko. Hi. I really want to thank you
for last night. Akiko called and then came home early today. We talked and are
planning to go to the park. I want to talk with you about many things. I am
going to send longer email tonight. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 10, 2011 -
Email Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I came home from the park and needed to do some things and now online. Akiko
is making food because family is coming tonight. Then will be online again
tonight and talk about situation. Do not worry. Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 10, 2011 -
Email Message - Drank a lot of beer. Ate a lot of food. Kinda not feeling good
though. Some strange back problem. Anyway me and Akiko decided to stay same
house but be friends and not as much as a couple. It is better way. Actually she did not go to parents house. She went to friends house who came for
dinner a few hours before. Still family does not know anything. It was a good
decision. I want to tell you today Akiko said no more parties for awhile. Then we
talked a lot today at the coffee shop. I explained it is not fair for everyone
to not do party because of marriage problems. Need to think about students. It
is also good image for her because coworkers enjoy party. Then she agreed. Next
month house party is 2/19 of next month. You can see it on the school site now.
January 11, 2011 -
Email Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I am not quite sure what to say about many things. I realize the last few
months and especially the last few weeks any happiness I want needs to come from
me and not from others. Everyone around is unable to change and I want to get
away from this situation. I am working every day to change things about me and
my career and many things. Change is very difficult but it can be accomplished
with a lot of effort. You asked about my wife. These days we are not fighting
because of me. Now I am not getting upset and only Akiko is getting angry now.
Then she sees now I am not fighting back and she quits. The fact is we do not
fit and even though things are good now I am working towards going away
eventually. I need to make sure my family is good situation then I can leave and
move on to new things. Now working out a lot every day and working on
my career. Hopefully this will be a good year with many positive changes. Send
email when you can. Howie.
January 12, 2011 -
Email Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I want to talk about a few things. A bit about the parties. I talked with Akiko tonight and we finally agreed we
should continue the once every month parties. Many people including students and
neighbors really looking forward to these parties. This is a home but also a
business and not fair to them to not make parties because of Akiko. This house
took a lot of my money and effort and I want to enjoy this house with everyone.
Monday and on Friday of next week Akiko needs to go to work parties at night. I
would like to eat dinner with you both nights if you can. Your house is good if
no problem. Kinda feel strange inviting myself to your house but it is a good
chance to meet. I am with Shai both days.
Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 12, 2011 -
Email Message - Hi. I was talking with Akiko until
around 1:30 am last night. We talked about many things without fighting. It is
unusual for us and was nice to make some decisions without being upset. We
decided no more parties. If there is a party it will be for registered students
only. Recently there is a lot of drama. People coming to the party drink a lot
and lose control. In addition Akiko was not happy because some neighbors do not
want others to come. We decided to put the house up for sale. When the house
sells we will get a rental place in Nara close to her work. After she is in a
good situation then I can return home. This house was a mistake. It took a lot
of my money and time to repair. This location is not good. If I return to
America then Akiko does not want to stay at this house. Anyway hopefully you
will be happy someday and find the things you want. Howie.
January 12, 2011 -
Email Message - Ikuko.
Hi. This year really made a commitment to myself to stay away from problems and
focus on work.
I am not going to be fighting with anyone especially Akiko now.
Everyone is important to me in this situation but now a lot of drama.
Really I want everyone to be happy and get along with each other.
If everyone is going to be crazy then I am going to stay away and focus on my
work. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 14, 2011 - Email
Message - Ayumi.
Hey I am drunk too and working. Really want to cut the crap with you and quit
doing general conversations. Want to talk same as we used to before. You know
you wanna. Anyway planning to return home later this year and work.
January 14, 2011 - Email
Message - Ayumi.
Hey I really miss you.
Someday you and I can meet in SD again and be crazy.
Maybe you can move back to your SD home, you know the condo again.
Then I can celebrate your return to America with you.
Hey we can make this plan work you know.
January 14, 2011 - Email
Message - I sent email to Nobumitsusan to join Facebook.
Told Akiko and she looks at me like a stupid guy for asking older friend to join.
Today received email from him and when he joined facebook his niece in America
found him.
He was very happy about joining and connecting with relative.
Akiko was wrong again.
She thinks too much and no confidence.
I am not going her way anymore.
January 14, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I am happy you worry about my family. Please try to understand about this.
Today you make a nice party. It is very nice thing. You will be drinking.
Everyone will be drinking. Really do not want you to drive with alcohol even you
say it is no problem. Really not good with people doing many things for me. In
Japan though anytime everyone is very kind. It is sometimes a lot for me to
handle. Thank you very much for inviting us to the party. Everything will be
fine today when we travel to your house. Many times the last few weeks we go to
Nara Park and many places. It was cold and a lot more walking then today. Please
do not worry. Simply enjoy. See you soon and do nice
time together. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 14, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I guess we are not coming. Now Mayumi husband is angry and leaving house in
bad way. Yappari no more parties. I need everyone to respect my thinking as a
man and American. Cannot do this anymore. Going back to SD as soon as possible. I really understand thinking of everyone wanting to do things for me and
Akiko today. I am American though and it is awful feeling for me to obligate
someone to do this for us during a party. It will difficult now for everyone to
be good again because your sister husband is angry and went from house in bad
way. Now you do not return email. It is making mess of everything. Now Akiko is
very sad. If I say no about ride then it should be no and finished. I am looking
after my family anytime. Want respect about my thinking and talking. Way too
much pushing from everyone now. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 15, 2011 - Email
Message - Ayumi. Hi. I went to another party
tonight. It was a lot of fun. Then needed to walk with family for 25 minutes to
home. I am doing for them anytime. It is a good feeling to do these things. Now
eating snack and drinking wine and talking. I am going to plan to visit you in
Fuckoka. Really looking forward to drinking with you and watch you get totally
drunk then. I really want to talk with you and spend time with you again.
January 15, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko Hi. I want to thank you and
your family for a wonderful evening. Shai fell asleep almost immediately and was
completely covered. I was doing the futon and putting away laundry already. We are still eating snack and drinking more wine.
I went outside to bring husband in house but could not see in the car. I am very
sick tonight but went outside anyway. Akiko is not happy about this. Yes I am very sick now. I am not sure about tomorrow. Will need to wait and
see if feeling better. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 16, 2011 - Email
Message - Hey please thank everyone for worrying. Yes I am very sick but getting this a
lot since being a kid. Simply takes time for this to go away. Better to simply
eat and drink and enjoy instead of wasting time in bed. Should be fun tomorrow
night. A football party. Really cool and fun.
January 16, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko
Hi. I am working again. Yup still pretty much the same today but used to this.
Anyway the football game tonight should be pretty exciting. Actually I am
planning to drink wine. Please do not bring beer. You can drink wine otherwise
simply purchase anything you want. Do not worry about getting a lot of food.
Akiko was thinking of coming home. She thinks maybe Shai is sick today. Either
way come with Maki tonight. It will be fun. Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 16, 2011 - Email
Message - Nope. Actually I went through many strange situations over many years. You
probably would not believe. Yes there
is someone in this house but it is no worry for me. Even Akiko experienced many
things in this house and in my home in San Diego. Really it is interesting and
good. Send email when you can.
January 17, 2011 - Email
Message - Ayumi.
Hey I am waiting for the ladies to come and watch football with me tonight.
Akiko went out with friends. Already getting drunk. Should be fun.
January 17, 2011 - Email
Message - Hey I was really happy you both came tonight. I am looking
forward to seeing you again on Friday. Yes really try and make this year
fantastic. Meeting often is nice because it is something to look forward to
during the week. Friday is coming soon. Going to be online much of today as
usual. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 17, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I was really happy you and Maki came last night. I like to watch football
but definitely more fun if you both come. Yeah seems like Akiko really enjoyed
going out. It is a good chance for her to be away from everything for awhile.
She came like 30 minutes later maybe. Hey really happy I am a good influence on
Maki. If you bring her to my house more then she can know about Americans. I am
looking forward to meeting you guys again on Friday night. Send email when you
can.
Howie.
January 18, 2011 - Email
Message -
Jim.
Hey after weeks of work and trying to figure out a Facebook script the San Diego
site is now redesigned and ready for event posting. Put your company banner on
every event page. Take a look when you can.
January 18, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I am kind of sick again today. Maybe will be better in the afternoon. I
continue to work on the SD site. Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 21, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko. Hey I want to thank you
again for the food last night. It was really nice you both could come to the
house. I talked with Akiko and maybe it is too late to cancel driving practice
tomorrow. I really do not want to lose 6000 yen and will probably go anyway. We
are going to contact the real estate later today and ask questions for now. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 22, 2011 - Email
Message - Ayumi.
Now listening to black eyed peas and totally drunk. going next
house to see neighbors. Akiko will move out tomorrow.
January 22, 2011 - Email
Message - Ayumi.
Yup. I tried everything. she pushed me away. Going to neighbor house to party
now. Gonna be free. Selling house. Going back to SD. woohoo. See you there.
January 22, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I really want you to know you are very important. You made an incredible
difference for me in Japan. If I cannot meet you then I am really unhappy now. Tomorrow Akiko will move to parents house for awhile. I was going to SD but then
we decided to do this and see. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 22, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I really got a hangover today. Anyway Akiko wants to stay in the house.
Maybe this situation keep coming up. When she is upset then she wants to leave
and then the next day changes again. We are crazy couple. I was really happy to
spend time with you last night. Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 23, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I am fighting with Akiko again. Every night she is sleeping. Really worried
about Shai. Now I was taking a shower and then I came out and Akiko was sleeping
on the kitchen chair. There were many things out in the kitchen and very
dangerous for Shai. Then I became upset
with Akiko because every night she does not watch and spend time with him.
Now she is yelling and saying she
wants a divorce. This really sucks. Send email when you can. Howie.
January 23, 2011 - Email
Message - Really I am trying and already thought about the things you
said. This problem is going on for a long time now. Then tonight I come out of
the shower and Shai
is going crazy in the kitchen and Akiko is directly next to him and sleeping in
the chair. Many husbands especially in Japan do nothing for the wife. I saw this
many times when I stayed at friends house. The wife does laundry in the morning
and then works the entire day and then comes home and makes dinner for the kids.
Many times the husband stays out late drinking with coworkers and does not even
call wife to say will be home hours later. This is awful situation for woman in
Japan I think. In American the husband is home for dinner every night with the
family. At night the entire family will spend time together. The husband does
many things in the house because the wife is also working. I am doing many
things for Akiko and more and more recently like laundry and even watching and
feeding Shai at night. Anytime changing the house to make things more convenient
for her. Now she is spoiled many things. This situation is becoming too much
now. I really think we cannot stay together. Send email when you can.
January 23, 2011 - Email
Message - Ikuko.
Hi. I think maybe a bit sick from the walk for shopping. Was carrying a lot of
food in the backpack and pushing the stroller. Was sleeping for awhile and
feeling slightly better. Send email when you can.
Howie.
|
 January 25, 2011
- Awesome Sunset. I
took a bit of time off from posting to get a ton of work
finished on my sites. Really trying to wrap up a bunch of
projects before it gets warmer since I know I am going to
want to be outside. Anyway this evening the sunset was
incredible. Took a few pictures from the second floor
veranda. |
January 25, 2011 - Email
Message - Ayumi.
Um duh. Actually I was wondering when you were going to say this. Really cannot
believe you lasted this long. Now same for me. Really thought I could fit in
Japan. In reality I am very American in my thinking and actions. Funny though my
close friends and neighbors do not want me to leave. Simply because I make
everything exciting in this place. They said if I return to American things will
be back to boring and people not talking to each other again. I brought this
community back together again. Now doing really good on the Internet. A bit more
income and can return home without worrying about money. Certainly will be good
to be in the sun again. Send email when you can.
January 25, 2011 - Email
Message -
Ayumi.
Hi. I want to tell you Happy Birthday now. You seem a lot better today. Anyway
enjoy and send email when you can.
Howie.
January 25, 2011 - Email
Message -
Um not going. Akiko forgot to cancel as usual. She will need to do tomorrow now.
Driving test. For many years really I am doing many things to make Akiko very convenient. For
many weeks now I am asking Akiko to do translation for the school and to finish
her work on the sites. Anytime she says going to do and does not do anything. It
makes more difficult to make money on the school because she does not work with
me anytime. A few sites were not working and could not make them work because
only Akiko learned the program. Now I am taking over the sites. Because of all
this do not want to get license now. Driving makes things convenient for Akiko.
Really I do not mind walking. She is going to need to think more about business
and other things. Then I am going to get the license. Honestly do not like
driving in Japan. Again remember it would be very easy for me to simply go home
and be in a beautiful climate every day. Actually my house is in a very good
location and do not even need a car. Everything is within a few miles from my
house. My friends all really like coming to my house for parties and do not even
need to go out for social contact. Now you know my thinking. I think you maybe do not understand the amount of frustration these days.
Really very close to going home anytime. Because of Akiko really do not want
to do many things like driving these days. Everything is becoming mendou kusai.
Now my happiness is working on my sites and making plans for me. Really Akiko
took all the energy out of this relationship. Send email when you can. |
 January 26, 2011
- And Again. I
suppose it makes sense to keep taking pictures if the sky is
going to look like this every evening. We really got slammed
with an incredible wind storm today and then were rewarded
with another incredible sunset. |
January 26, 2011 - Email
Message - Jim.
Hi. I am happy groups are beginning to post on the SD site using Facebook.
Received email from San Diego Symphony with concerns of using their personal
profile to post events. Sent back a long email explaining why we are using
Facebook and they posted an event. They are offering discounts and promotional
items for anyone who clicks Likes in Facebook for the event. Pretty good
marketing idea. Send email when you can.
Howie.
January 26, 2011 - Email
Message - Howie. I heard very funny
information from Mayumi awhile ago. Ando junior school teacher distributed the
caution flyer to the students and their parents today. The flyer is the
following.
Caution.
One strange man around here.
He looks foreighner and beard man.
He ride the white light car.
He said 'Where are you going?' 'Come on. get on next to me!'
Mayumi said with laughing 'He must Howie. He finally became strange man!'.
We were very laughing with talking about you. And I want to tell you another caution fryer.
Mayumi got 2 fryers today from junior school.
Same as the strange man, then his lower body is naked. He is walking around Ando cho.
He must be you! lol.
January 26, 2011 - Email
Message - Today I went with Akiko to do stuff. We needed to change my foreigner card to
this town. Then we went for Shai to be with other kids and to investigate his
height and weight and condition. Then talking to many housewives. Anyway this
girl is with a baby. She is very pretty and looks like the singer Superfly. Then
she keeps looking at me. Then she sends email to the husband and he says to talk
with me. This is because she is good friends with Takagisan the neighbor who is
coming to party with the cool dude anytime. Anyway she know all about our
parties and really wants to come. Then she will come with family next party.
Send email when you can. |
 January 27, 2011
- Again and Again. This
was another beautiful sunset. Yup third day in a row. |
|
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