Back to the grind

NB: Those interested in seeing our pictures should keep track of this site that Kate set up. There's a link to it on the lefthand side as well, under "pictures".

Today was the first day of work of the New Year. Not so bad--only 5 hours of work, an hour of which was break.

Today I also paid Japanese bills for the first time. I managed to get it done. Mostly. I tried and failed to set up automatic payments of my health insurance premiums. For some reason or another. You know, it's too bad issues of personal finance weren't featured more in Dragon Ball storylines. Then I would've understood that teller for sure.

In other news, I've been informed that Ken, our friend from back home, of mouth-watering BBQ fame, is coming to Japan to visit some of his girlfriend's relatives. Assuming they'll be staying somewhere near the Tokyo area, we'll probably meet up, in which case I'll finally get to meet this alleged girlfriend of his. (No one in our circle of friends has met her as of yet. After moving across the Pacific Ocean,I may well be the first.)

I just hope he gets through customs OK. He's agreed to bring us a "present" or two.