I think I like it …

I am now officially checked out of the hotel. That’s a good thing too because apparently my work credit card just max’d out. Hmmm. I sure wish I could figure out how to get my expense reports to be approved. But that’s a different story. And not that interesting.

The important and cool thing is that I slept at the apartment for the first time last night. It is a comfortable place. Yesterday afternoon I did a little shopping but didn’t really buy that much. I was just trying to figure out how to satisfy the requirements of my place. No dresser, for example. And I still need lights.

Today I got together with a colleague and he helped me a lot and I got some more things for the pad. He’s going to be here for at least 18 months so I was showing some of the stores I went to so he’d have some ideas what was out there. Still everything was on foot. Today I bought some stackable plastic drawers in place of a dresser, a laundry basket, a broom, a clock for the bathroom (does it have a battery- probably not), and clothes hangers. That doesn’t sound like much in the end, does it? Well it seemed monumental. Oh I got a couple of mouse pads and an Ethernet jumper for my Airport Express (called AirMac Express for some reason here).

Hey, that’s right! I forgot about internet. It is up and running. One of my big debates was whether or not to use my in house LAN and whatever internet access I was provided or for the fiber service. My apartment internet is just fine, thank you very much at 15.4 kpbs downlink.

Today, after a short rest, I continued my adventures. It was time for a haircut. That is never an easy experience. How do you explain in Japanese what you want? Luckily one of the guys spoke some English and between his English and Japanese we were able to get figure out what I wanted. Sort of. All my haircuts in Japan are intricately executed trims. My hair always seems as long as when I went in. So when I go in next month I’ll have to try to have them take a little more off!

On my way home, I went to the grocery store. I had to call Tomo in order to learn the Japanese word for spinach（hourensou – ホウレンソウ) which was amusing to the staff. I stumbled accidently into another western type grocery and found some Maple and Brown Sugar Quaker Instance Oats. Yippee!! That is a kind of convenient quicky breakfast when necessary. One of the problems with urban living is that it is difficult to find a “real” grocery store. I’m not sure I can survive on Dean and DeLuca and 7/11.

In general, I’m pretty happy with the location of my place. It seems very convenient. My streets are not crowded with people, but in about 15 minutes I am in the heart of the shopping area of the city. Today I even found Banana Republic (don’t feel too good for me because nothing will fit).

It is already 8:45 pm and I still have to do my dishes, make some dinner, do some work emails, hang a light, try to clean, and watch LOST on iTunes. I don’t think I’ll get it all done but I’m having fun. It beats sitting in the hotel room. More to come. My couch arrives Saturday so my apartment will be primarily furnished. The only things left will be accessories and such to make it a little more livable. You know, accessories like a kitchen knife, pots, pans.