Jet Laggin'

Guess I should have followed Japser's advice and stayed awake when I came home because it is past midnight and I can't sleep. I have a wicked cough and would like to sleep but between the "hack-hack" and mind racing it isn't happening.

So I will write to you. Hmm. OK, I've got it, reflection time. (Oh, goody!)

Why I Miss Japan
1. People are nicer. Trying to switch planes at LAX reminded me that I wasn't in Japan anymore. Other people in line were getting impatient (vs. the patient line waiting in Japan) and the workers had that, "I hate my job and I hate you," look that is supplemented with eye rolls and head-cocked glares. And sighs. I did not miss the sighs.
2. Everything is cleaner. Paper on the floor, wrappers strown, people eating and walking. Why aren't they messy in Japan? I think it's a respect thing and the whole inside/outside persona. There's a name for it. It's in my book.
3. Eye contact. Now I will admit that I used to be one of those, "Hi!" "Hi," Good Morning!" people. Let's refer to it as fake Courtney. I didn't want to say hello but felt pressured to be social and talk to others. No, I'm not saying I'll be rude, but I no longer feel the need to make eye-contact and smile to everyone (really everyone, even scary people) on the street. In Japan, eyes stayed lowered and there is no pressure to make polite small-talk with strangers. I like that. Today on the plane to Tucson, this nice older man sat next to me and usually in fake Courtney mode I would strike up a conversation with him. But today, I put on my headphones, didn't even turn the darn thing on, and put my head back.
4. Food. I didn't realize how much crap I ate. No, that's a lie. I did but I enjoyed it. Right now I am rethinking all the processed cheese, meats, and breads I eat. They served us half-a-hashbrown and sausage on the plane and it didn't even taste good. Yes I ate it -- but I enjoyed the fruit more. (No, I am not feeling well).
5. Heated toliet seats with spray options. Nuff said.
6. Doin' Stuff. I watch a lot of tv - as most of you know. Too much tv. Heck, I'm watchin' E! Daily 10 right now with the sound off. I liked going places and doin' stuff with people and by myself. I think I need to get out more. Walk maybe? See the Grand Canyon or the Monument place? Take up yoga or an exercise class? Now that may be the cough medicine talking but it could happen.
7. Can't think of a 7.
8. Cleanliness. I know this is kinda a repeat but before I was referring to public cleanliness. My house is a wreck right now. Being little miss type A w/OCD tendencies you would think my house would be perfect. But it is a perfect mess. Dog hair, dirty clothes, dirty dishes, dirty, well everyting. Tomorrow, I clean.
9. Hot Springs. Now I didn't get to go to one, but I did see the brochure. Our public bath was ok -- but the thought of soaking in a hot mineral spring right now sounds amazing. My body is sore and bruised. There are no hot springs in Tucson. Hot sand, but it's full of bugs and rattlesnakes.
10. Soup and Sashimi. I heart miso soup and sashimi. Tomorrow I may take a break from cleaning and go to the Japanese restaurant here in Tucson and suck down some soup and have an order of sashimi for dessert. I know it won't be the same but I don't think I can do pizza and cheese dip.

Ok -- that's it for now. As I develop my follow-on plan I will add to my blog. Hopefully you all will keep reading and makin' comments. Will try to sleep now, after another helpin' of cough medicine.