"I just wanted to be sure of you"

FRIEND:  A person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection. 

Someone asked me recently why my photos don't include Japanese friends.  Hopefully, someday they will.  I have learned that it is very difficult to build relationships when you can barely communicate.  I cannot speak Japanese yet, short of hello, goodbye, thank you, I'm sorry, etc. Many Japanese, while they learned English in school, are not also not comfortable in a conversation.  They know similar words in English that I know in Japanese.  It doesn't make for very in-depth conversation.  

For now I am relying on my new expat friends.  Relying heavily in some instances.  My husband is already traveling quite a bit.  In fact, he is in Brazil this week and Argentina next week.  Several of the ladies here have really extended the hand of friendship to me.  I've learned that I don't do well as a loner.  I'm an extrovert.  No doubt about it.  I need people, big time.  

I just thought I'd add a funny photo of my first squatty potty experience.  I REALLY didn't want to try this.  But, sometimes you've got to get with the program, so to speak.

We both conquered the use of the "self-serve" line in this grocery store.  

Thankfully it had an "english" button.

My new friends took me to a thrift store.  And they don't even know me well yet!  I might've jumped at the chance. That was probably a clue.  I bought the beautiful china plates below and the game board they are sitting on.  I really want to go back, but really don't have room for much.  

Another friend took me to Costco, which was such a help.  This is both of our stuff combined, by the way.  I don't even have a membership and she let me go with her.  Which was very generous.  Then she drove me home and helped me unload!  Which is not simple, since I live in the city in an apartment on the 12th floor.  

I have had A LOT of dining opportunities.  Above is my first Indian meal. 

And first for sitting on the floor.  

This was Japanese BBQ.  Most of it was delicious. ;-)

Expat's tend to recognize each other immediately in Japan.  Only 1% of the people in Japan are not Japanese.  So, we really stick out.  This beautiful family was from Norway.  Their little girls were Karen, Maria and Julia. 

Elizabeth and I met when we both tried to pass the driving test.  We both failed.  Here are her boys, Aiden and Robin.  Such a sweet family.  Since then she has passed and I have my second test tomorrow.  I'm trying not to stress about it.  I won't try again, if I fail it this time.  All done.

 Blurry but funny.

These last two pictures are of my close friends in Southern California.  They made a "flat Karen" and took me antiquing with them.  I think we did a few other things together too.  I was told that I created quite a scene.  Silly girls.  I love and miss them a lot.  

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.  

"Pooh!" he whispered. 

"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.  

"I just wanted to be sure of you.

Friends are the best!