My Japanese Adventure

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Learning Japanese

Sara worked today, so I was on mamasan duty all day. Anastacia is a very good baby, but I don't get much done when she's awake. During her morning nap, I try to read my email, but during her afternoon nap, I snooze too. Although I've adapted to the "early-to-bed-early-to-rise" schedule, this old lady needs a full eight hours. Consequently, I'm a little behind on posting my daily comments on life here in Japan.

I've been trying to learn some Japanese words and phrases, so I at least know what to say when I bump into someone in the mall (sumimasen) or when I answer the phone (moshi moshi). I am an obaasan (grandmother), but Anastacia can call me sobo. My ex-husband, who was also stationed here in Japan in the Air Force, taught me how to count to 10 in Japanese: ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, ku, juu. My daughter has taught me another useful word: buka, which means stupid.

We went to the Mongolian BBQ at the co-located club (officers and enlisted) on base. It was very good, but there was no dragon sauce, so it wasn't as spicy as I like. They have this every Wednesday night, so I'm sure we'll be back before I leave.

Another mamasan day for me tomorrow, so I'm turning in early.