.... it has been 1 month since I last posted.
On February 18, just after posting last, we went to Yokosuka to run a few errands.
~ go to the commissary √
~ arrange the van service to pick up my in-laws (coming this week) and my mom (coming next month) √
~ pay the JCI insurance √ er....wait...you have a problem.
~ ITT office for reservations to Kyoto
Wait.
Problem?
Your inspection expired on 22.2.11.
No big deal. That is next year, right?
WRONG
Japan is not completely on western dating. We are currently in the 22nd year of the Emperor. So, that date reads 22 (this year 2010), 2nd month, 11th day. This was on Feb 18, 2010. 1 week later.
Uh. oh.
Instead of continuing on with my to do list, I learned what happens when you can't drive your car.
We (Lori and I) walked over to the Auto Port (same parking lot) from the AI Insurance office. To find out that..... yup, I can leave the car and get the base inspection done.
Okay, now we have to get home. Hmm. Thankfully my friend came and got us, it was cold and would have taken us 2+ hours to get home, it was 3:30 pm.
Over the next 3 weeks, we had to go to the Yokosuka City Hall office 5 times. The AI office 3 times. Put over $800 into the van to get it up to inspection standard. THEN, I was finally able to schedule the take-the-van-to-Yokohama-for-the-official-inspection and pay ¥19,900 for the road tax, ¥27,100 for the van inspection, and ¥7500 for the person to take the van. THEN, Allen was able to take all of that to the VRO office.
Lori and I spent over 60 hours out of the house over those 9 days.
Finally! We have a van that runs legally!!!
Saturday (Mar 6) we are finally done.... and...... I wake to:
"Mommy, I woke up thirsty. While I was getting a drink I puked on the kitchen floor."
Uh. Oh.
The stomach virus that is going around.... has found a home. In my home.
Lori puked most of Saturday. She slept most of Sunday.
Sunday evening.... uh. oh. My turn.
Sunday night and Monday I spent most of my time in the bathroom. I'll spare you the details.
Here we are now, Sunday, March 14th. No one is sick. I pray. The household is back in order (because heavens knows, when Mommy is sick NO HOUSEWORK can get done). I'm almost caught up on the laundry (WOOHOOO).
This next week is going to be very busy.
~ Fix DBIDS problem (this will allow me to get my in-laws on the base)
~ ¥ bank
~ Commissary
~ Get additional Tokyo train maps in English
~ Kids get spacers put in (again)
~ Housing appointment (who knows what that is about)
~ File housing complaint re: 'fridge -- get new 'fridge?!?!
~ Go to ITT
~ Go to Livin, Homes, & 100¥ stores
~ Get 1 week of homeschooling done
~ Friday: in-laws get here
~ Saturday: HS Co-op fair
Sooooo, I think that catches us up!!