Mr. Ojisan Ramen says hi!

Funny picture yeah? This was a cup noodle I had in Japan. I bought a nishime pack from the grocery store to eat with it. Their nishime is awesome – it even came with the half egg. And you know how much I love Japan eggs. Had a bit too much lotus root and they were a bit hard for me but I ate em anyway. But yeah! I put some of the nishime into the cup noodle and this is how it floated to the top! Do you see the ojisan like I do? Green bean eyes, a brown little nose and a shiitake smile. I swear I didn’t do this on purpose!

Anyway, I apologize for the lag time between Japan posts. Life happened and things have been quite topsy turvy for me, emotionally and professionally. Nothing crazy so not to worry. I was expecting work to slow down by now but it’s actually picking up again even though the semester is coming to an end. I can’t wait for summer. So I hope you are all doing well! I know my little updates are usually made of complaints so I wanted to share a good story!!

We all know how awesome Costco is but last night was another example of why they are even more awesome! It also serves as another reason why I should always purchase my contact lenses from them! So I had my annual check-up and my doctor shared that my brand of contacts (Acuvue) changed their policies and made it so that everyone had to basically charge the same rate or higher…I assume to help doctors get orders from their clients versus going through 1-800-contacts or people like me, who order through Costco.

Anyway, my contacts used to have a $10 coupon every couple of months so I would always be able to order my contacts cheaper. I noticed Costco stopped offering the coupon so I figured it was related to this new rule. I was almost tempted to order from my doctor but she mentioned, maybe Costco would have it in stock right away so I held back. I went in last night and ordered my contacts. And yes! They had them in stock and yes! They process your insurance claim right away so I paid the amount after the insurance coverage. So the person ringing me up is doing all kinds of typing and printing, etc. I patiently wait because well, I sorta went in at 8:20 (they close at 8:30) and I felt pretty bad! Anyway, he finishes up my transaction and hands me a Costco Cash Card and tells me it’s for $25. So I’m like super confused right? And he tells me all about how Acuvue put that new rule into place but Costco has been trying to negotiate with them to keep doing the $10 coupons but haven’t come to an agreement yet…so Costco is voluntarily giving $25 gift cards until they can get it resolved. I mean, how’s that for service right? It’s something they totally do not have to do but they are doing it because they care about the customer. It was such an awesome experience that I just had to share it.

I hope you are all doing well. I’ll try to get some more Japan updates scheduled this weekend.

The one time I’ve tried V8, I think I spit it out. I heard there’s a spicy version now but I am still not convinced to try it. Last week, Don Quijote had this Ito-en Vegetable/Fruit Juice on sale. I saw an older man stocking up on the juice a couple weeks back so I was super curious. The label says that it doesn’t add any sugar or sodium to the drink, so all the sugars that are in this come naturally from the fruit. How’s the taste? Delicious! Addicting. I could drink a lot of this but I don’t think I should drink it like water. Anyhow, just wanted to share about it in case anyone wanted to try it!

Do I remember that right? When roll call happened in Japanese class, you have to answer hai! Right? Gosh guys, sorry about the complete silence the past week. Last week was insanely busy. Busy work and school schedule but I got through. Whew! It’s gonna be tough until Wednesday is over because I have a class presentation! So I was going to work hard on it tonight and totally forgot my textbook at home. Insane right? And this just dawned on me but I’m going to Japan next week! That’s insane. I haven’t even started planning. This is like my nightmare coming true (not being prepared for a trip). I haven’t even started packing. I AM STRESSING MYSELF OUT WITH EACH WORD I TYPE.

Okay, breathe. It was a hard day today, very hard. I got through it and here’s to a better day tomorrow. I hope you all have been doing well. I’ll try to get a few more updates this week. Quick update of a drink I got from Jugo Life. This was 9 dollars and not worth it. Sorry. I should just buy my own super blender and make my own smoothies.

Like the tag line? Stay hungry, not thirsty. Yes, I agree with that.

I didn’t get to drink it until the next morning. Here is how it settles. Suffice to say, I drank all of it because it COST NINE DOLLARS. I thought the taste was okay. Don Quijote has that Itoen Veggie Shot on sale this week for $2.99. I’m going to get a couple of those because they taste delicious!

Hi everyone! It’s already March! And you know what that means? I am weeks away from my vacation! Oh my god! Yes, I only came to that realization today…haha! I haven’t done any planning. I know, this is bad. I’ve been so blah about everything lately, not sure what it is. It’s spilled over to my school work, work, and just general living. Trying my best to get out of this slump! I’ve had some super senior moments lately. I went to Waikele last weekend to buy things, and I found a pair of shoes I liked and the holder said my size but when I got home, the actual pair of shoes was a totally different size. I usually check everything so meticulously. Serves me right because now I have to drive myself back there to exchange it. I hope they even have my size left! Then I ordered some clothes online and they came in this week and I order two of the same exact tops. UGH. If I were to return it, I would have to send it back to me. The Chinese in me does not want to pay to get something returned, ahhh what to do.

Well just wanted to wish everyone a Super Sunday and I hope you folks have a great week!

Our coworker went to a wedding and since everyone flew in from the mainland for the wedding so he got to keep all the flower centerpieces. Isn’t this beautiful?? I was able to keep one of them and it was sooo nice to look at this everyday. I think I should start buying fresh flower bouquets every week. They’re not too pricey and I get to look at something pretty to lift my mood.