Typical bachelor-pad entryway
What "only in Japan" items can you spot here?
PS I have a slew of photos piling up, promise! Be prepared for an series entitled "Tokyo Trash"
15 October 2008
Tokyo apartment entry-way
Typical bachelor-pad entryway
What "only in Japan" items can you spot here?
PS I have a slew of photos piling up, promise! Be prepared for an series entitled "Tokyo Trash"
06 October 2008
new hobby (lawyer version)
I've been collecting a lot of information on college campuses lately. In fact, this blog blurb is a distraction, but I felt inspired to share after stumbling onto this photo:
[edit: photo removed]
Example of a late-90's era website: scientist bio
(I'm convinced this guy looks totally different in real life.. unfortunately.) Some observations:
EDIT:
Those close and more wise than me suggested that it's risky, or at least in bad taste, to post a photo (or perhaps, a link to the original page with that photo) of someone and describe that photo and website as "geeky" or "old fashioned." Not everyone is a photography hobbyist who makes fun of themselves quite as readily as I do--perhaps I am being insensitive to the plight of a guy who's been asking to have his photo updated for the past 9 years but every year gets told "No!"
What do you think? Is it unwise/unfair/uncooth of me to use such a personal example (a portrait) to make my point that "early/old websites really need to spend money to update their web-presence" ... even when that website is open to the public? Did I understate the fact that I like and find it interesting for people to have a distinct, unique fashion sense?
... related, perhaps more interesting food for thought: corporate photos are a tradition in many industries, and I'm sure a large fraction of employees would prefer to have more control about which photos get used & how their used. Are there employee photo rights? Should there be different levels of "photo use rights" depending whether the photo is in a collage in the lobby or used online?
[edit: photo removed]
Example of a late-90's era website: scientist bio
(I'm convinced this guy looks totally different in real life.. unfortunately.) Some observations:
- Medium-sized schools that got their webpages up in the early days of the internet tend to let it show.
- Schools with a regional view tend to forget that the internet is global
- It is really easy to take a bad portrait
- In extreme cases, it's possible for the geeky look to loop around on itself and be interesting and compelling. You can't fake that.
- Smaller liberal arts schools tend to be arty and updated. Larger-sized schools tend to hire students from liberal arts schools to work in the "Office of website management" corner of IT, which the medium-sized schools can't afford.
EDIT:
Those close and more wise than me suggested that it's risky, or at least in bad taste, to post a photo (or perhaps, a link to the original page with that photo) of someone and describe that photo and website as "geeky" or "old fashioned." Not everyone is a photography hobbyist who makes fun of themselves quite as readily as I do--perhaps I am being insensitive to the plight of a guy who's been asking to have his photo updated for the past 9 years but every year gets told "No!"
What do you think? Is it unwise/unfair/uncooth of me to use such a personal example (a portrait) to make my point that "early/old websites really need to spend money to update their web-presence" ... even when that website is open to the public? Did I understate the fact that I like and find it interesting for people to have a distinct, unique fashion sense?
... related, perhaps more interesting food for thought: corporate photos are a tradition in many industries, and I'm sure a large fraction of employees would prefer to have more control about which photos get used & how their used. Are there employee photo rights? Should there be different levels of "photo use rights" depending whether the photo is in a collage in the lobby or used online?
11 September 2008
Surgery update
Certain family members are sick of hearing overly-descriptive details of my surgery process, but I thought I'd post a bit of an update anyway.
I still have pain. A bit of tenderness popped up, telling me that I must have over-done it. But it made me realize just how far I've progressed: walking like normal (full speed, no shuffle), hustling if I'm late for the train, even jogging now and then. More importantly, I'm on my bicycle every day. It's so much more convenient! 15 min from work instead of 35.
But I think the bicycle is what caused the tenderness below my scar to flare up. About three weeks ago my bicycle speed progressed from the Japan-standard "Mama Speed" to my more typical "he knows how to use gears and stuff" road speed. That makes normal road bumps harder, with less time to stand and lessen the blow of big ones. Since I have long legs, my seat is high. That means my body angles over, which puts a lot of pressure on the lower abdomen. And in addition the bicycle seat ... well, no delicate way to put it, it puts quite a unique amount of pressure on the crotch region. Which is the ingronial region.
Needless to say, when it started to hurt more about two weeks ago, I notched back the speed, taking it easy again. In addition to going slow, I've been riding as upright as possible. (Wish I had an adjustable handlebar stem.) The pain and tenderness is less as a result.
When it first appeared, I feared that the repair had failed, so I tried a few gentle abdominal "pushes" to look for the movement/swelling symptom that had been there before the operation: nothing. But if the pain comes back, of course I'll go see the doctor.
In general I feel a lot better, but obviously the body is telling me "You're not 100% yet." I'd love to play soccer in Tokyo again before I leave, but looks like that might not be possible. Maybe November? .. A lot longer than the 2 months I had originally hoped for. At least I can jog slowly--better than nothing!
... I should also mention: there's also an annoying surface pain, immediately at the scar. Could be a hair growing at a bad angle--it's kind of like a splinter, where the bark is worse than the bite. It sometimes occurs when I sit down, as my clothes settle. It occurs more strongly if I wear close-fitting undershorts instead of boxers.
It goes away if I lightly sweep away hair near the scar.. but that isn't always socially acceptable behavior. "OH, no, I had surgery, you see... really."
I still have pain. A bit of tenderness popped up, telling me that I must have over-done it. But it made me realize just how far I've progressed: walking like normal (full speed, no shuffle), hustling if I'm late for the train, even jogging now and then. More importantly, I'm on my bicycle every day. It's so much more convenient! 15 min from work instead of 35.
But I think the bicycle is what caused the tenderness below my scar to flare up. About three weeks ago my bicycle speed progressed from the Japan-standard "Mama Speed" to my more typical "he knows how to use gears and stuff" road speed. That makes normal road bumps harder, with less time to stand and lessen the blow of big ones. Since I have long legs, my seat is high. That means my body angles over, which puts a lot of pressure on the lower abdomen. And in addition the bicycle seat ... well, no delicate way to put it, it puts quite a unique amount of pressure on the crotch region. Which is the ingronial region.
Needless to say, when it started to hurt more about two weeks ago, I notched back the speed, taking it easy again. In addition to going slow, I've been riding as upright as possible. (Wish I had an adjustable handlebar stem.) The pain and tenderness is less as a result.
When it first appeared, I feared that the repair had failed, so I tried a few gentle abdominal "pushes" to look for the movement/swelling symptom that had been there before the operation: nothing. But if the pain comes back, of course I'll go see the doctor.
In general I feel a lot better, but obviously the body is telling me "You're not 100% yet." I'd love to play soccer in Tokyo again before I leave, but looks like that might not be possible. Maybe November? .. A lot longer than the 2 months I had originally hoped for. At least I can jog slowly--better than nothing!
... I should also mention: there's also an annoying surface pain, immediately at the scar. Could be a hair growing at a bad angle--it's kind of like a splinter, where the bark is worse than the bite. It sometimes occurs when I sit down, as my clothes settle. It occurs more strongly if I wear close-fitting undershorts instead of boxers.
It goes away if I lightly sweep away hair near the scar.. but that isn't always socially acceptable behavior. "OH, no, I had surgery, you see... really."
29 August 2008
Spend $1080 at 7-11
You know you've been Japan too long when you ... (see title)
Payin' the bills! Health insurance, phone, & .. national income tax
(Add the highlighted bits, divide by 100 to roughly get the amount in USD. And keep in mind that this is in addition to 83000JPY [$830] for rent, and that my apartment would be 1/3 to 1/2 this cost most places I'm likely to live soon. ... I'm dipping into savings to get by this month.)
By switching from full time to part time, I've stumbled upon new facet of Japanese culture that I'd previously been shielded from. Taxes and national health insurance are normally the responsibility of one's company. That's right, Japanese people don't have to file their taxes--and, they get national "you pay 1/3" health insurance. In your company, there's always an office somewhere that has people that push buttons and make forms work, and then later, magically, you get a paycheck and all the taxes & insurance are paid.
..unless you work part time. Then all that stuff becomes your business. And it sucks.
It could have been the stupidest thing I've done since arriving in this country, but 20 minutes ago I paid about $1080 (in cash, of course--this is Japan) at my 7-11. The clerk stuttered when politely reading the amount. One zero (at least) too many..
Why so much, you ask? Well, the income tax is calculated based on your previous year's amount. This incredibly stupid system means that if you go from full time to one part time job, you MUST pay double (or slightly more than double) taxes the first year you're part time. Or hire an accountant. Which you can't afford. Because you work part time.
I now appreciate why things don't change fast here. If you change, you get screwed.
Anyway... I paid my bills like a good responsible citizen. I don't want any trouble. And I know that the system won't change for me--my recourse now is to get an accountant who will file for my refund in the (very likely) event of my leaving the country. At the very least, I feel 100% confident that the system will refund to me some time next year at least half of what I just paid.
Payin' the bills! Health insurance, phone, & .. national income tax
(Add the highlighted bits, divide by 100 to roughly get the amount in USD. And keep in mind that this is in addition to 83000JPY [$830] for rent, and that my apartment would be 1/3 to 1/2 this cost most places I'm likely to live soon. ... I'm dipping into savings to get by this month.)
By switching from full time to part time, I've stumbled upon new facet of Japanese culture that I'd previously been shielded from. Taxes and national health insurance are normally the responsibility of one's company. That's right, Japanese people don't have to file their taxes--and, they get national "you pay 1/3" health insurance. In your company, there's always an office somewhere that has people that push buttons and make forms work, and then later, magically, you get a paycheck and all the taxes & insurance are paid.
..unless you work part time. Then all that stuff becomes your business. And it sucks.
It could have been the stupidest thing I've done since arriving in this country, but 20 minutes ago I paid about $1080 (in cash, of course--this is Japan) at my 7-11. The clerk stuttered when politely reading the amount. One zero (at least) too many..
Why so much, you ask? Well, the income tax is calculated based on your previous year's amount. This incredibly stupid system means that if you go from full time to one part time job, you MUST pay double (or slightly more than double) taxes the first year you're part time. Or hire an accountant. Which you can't afford. Because you work part time.
I now appreciate why things don't change fast here. If you change, you get screwed.
Anyway... I paid my bills like a good responsible citizen. I don't want any trouble. And I know that the system won't change for me--my recourse now is to get an accountant who will file for my refund in the (very likely) event of my leaving the country. At the very least, I feel 100% confident that the system will refund to me some time next year at least half of what I just paid.
30 July 2008
Tokyo Dome baseball
Finally got a chance to mark off something on my "Gosh, I really should do that" list.
Baseball cocktails, anyone?
The structure was the first baseball dome built in Japan. Before seeking wikipedia just now, I hadn't realized it kept it shape via air pressure, but that certainly explains the super-strong whoosh you get when going out the door. (On entry they use forcibly rotating doors, but I guess they can't handle the mass rush of people going home.) To be honest, it looks newer (and bigger) from the outside.
Three interesting differences to American baseball & baseball parks. One is pictured above: beer girls. Actually the girl above is a wine and cocktail girl--the beer girls each have a half-keg strapped to their backs. They appear to be employed by the beer companies; You know to look for hot pink if you want Asahi beer, for example. There were also hot-dog girls and ice cream girls. They walk to the end of the aisle and bow before asking for orders.
Second interesting difference (which may only apply to the Yomuri Giants team) is what you get if you hit a home run (zoom in below on the cheerleader)
Ramirez! Ramir... I mean.. La-Mee-Ray! La-Mee-Ray!
Just what every slugger dreams off--a stuffed animal! (The animal does not get tossed in the crowd, more like on the ground to keep hands free for high-fives.) Ramirez was quite the star of the evening with multiple HR and RBIs; unfortunately I couldn't snap a video of the cute little dance he does in front of the TV camera with the team mascot when he scores a HR (at the end of the team line). ... Or the on-camera MVP interview that most folks in the stands waited for.
The third thing that was different was the "cheer" section. In the outfield were the supporters, all wearing the team jersey. Right-field was home team--and they really really won (after I arrived, their good luck charm). But left-field had a 100% full section, complete with trumpets and drums, and they stayed to the very last out despite the 8 run difference. .. Even more impressive, I'm told that the fans organize these things without any support or organizational aid from the team. No official "supporter section" tickets--they must reserve seats WAY in advance.
Baseball cocktails, anyone?
The structure was the first baseball dome built in Japan. Before seeking wikipedia just now, I hadn't realized it kept it shape via air pressure, but that certainly explains the super-strong whoosh you get when going out the door. (On entry they use forcibly rotating doors, but I guess they can't handle the mass rush of people going home.) To be honest, it looks newer (and bigger) from the outside.
Three interesting differences to American baseball & baseball parks. One is pictured above: beer girls. Actually the girl above is a wine and cocktail girl--the beer girls each have a half-keg strapped to their backs. They appear to be employed by the beer companies; You know to look for hot pink if you want Asahi beer, for example. There were also hot-dog girls and ice cream girls. They walk to the end of the aisle and bow before asking for orders.
Second interesting difference (which may only apply to the Yomuri Giants team) is what you get if you hit a home run (zoom in below on the cheerleader)
Ramirez! Ramir... I mean.. La-Mee-Ray! La-Mee-Ray!
Just what every slugger dreams off--a stuffed animal! (The animal does not get tossed in the crowd, more like on the ground to keep hands free for high-fives.) Ramirez was quite the star of the evening with multiple HR and RBIs; unfortunately I couldn't snap a video of the cute little dance he does in front of the TV camera with the team mascot when he scores a HR (at the end of the team line). ... Or the on-camera MVP interview that most folks in the stands waited for.
The third thing that was different was the "cheer" section. In the outfield were the supporters, all wearing the team jersey. Right-field was home team--and they really really won (after I arrived, their good luck charm). But left-field had a 100% full section, complete with trumpets and drums, and they stayed to the very last out despite the 8 run difference. .. Even more impressive, I'm told that the fans organize these things without any support or organizational aid from the team. No official "supporter section" tickets--they must reserve seats WAY in advance.
29 July 2008
Not the target
Something tells me I'm not the target audience for this train station poster:
Hello Bow-Infested Kitty
Sadly, not quite as bizarre as Blank Stare Kitty Wielding Jaws-of-Life, but the sheer number of bows she's sporting prompted me to take the shot.
In addition, there's food. To a non-Japanese person like me, it seems pretty out of place. Girl dressed like a princess: no problem. But beef bowl?? .. sponsor? Suggestions for house-keeping Mom?
Quiz: What does this ad motivate you to do? What do you think is being advertised?
Hello Bow-Infested Kitty
Sadly, not quite as bizarre as Blank Stare Kitty Wielding Jaws-of-Life, but the sheer number of bows she's sporting prompted me to take the shot.
In addition, there's food. To a non-Japanese person like me, it seems pretty out of place. Girl dressed like a princess: no problem. But beef bowl?? .. sponsor? Suggestions for house-keeping Mom?
Quiz: What does this ad motivate you to do? What do you think is being advertised?
18 July 2008
Japan vs. world oil crisis?
First, in case you missed it, check out a recent speech by a Nobel prize winner about how the US can and should be selling / running cars 100% carbon-free by 2018.
Second, since this is a Tokyo analysis blog, I'll reveal a recent observation I made: Japan is well-suited to survive a world oil crisis.
Don't mean to forbode, or dooms-day, or sooth say. I really hope our planet's transition from oil is smooth. (I'm also not going to start talking about global warming.) But oil is running out, and prices are going up. If there is a burp in productivity, prices will burp too. It makes sense to start thinking about how we can live on less oil.
And I've gotta say that Japan seems better off than the US in this regard. People are used to crowded living. The live-able land is as big as a US state, whereas the population is about HALF the US population. The fraction of power that comes from nuclear is pretty high, and the fraction of people that drive daily is small.
I think the biggest reason is cultural: Japanese people are still culturally aware of their feudal age, which officially ended only 150 years ago. People want to live close together--a holdover from the time when a village had to weigh land for rice patties over privacy, I think. "Crowded" has a connotation of happy and lively.
The result is super narrow streets that cars literally don't fit on--where would you park it anyway? And neighborhoods where it literally is faster go shopping at the supermarket by bicycle. The only vehicles guaranteed to run every day are delivery trucks and scooters.
Of course, the other benefit of having a shadow memory of feudal times is the ability to cope. You don't often hear Japanese people complaining about a late bus, or having to take the bus in the first place. ... I can't imagine there'd be much time wasted on a "Why did this have to happen to me" reaction if the flow of foreign oil happened to stop. They'd just say "Oh well". And then "So, who wants to walk next door for noodles?"
Second, since this is a Tokyo analysis blog, I'll reveal a recent observation I made: Japan is well-suited to survive a world oil crisis.
Don't mean to forbode, or dooms-day, or sooth say. I really hope our planet's transition from oil is smooth. (I'm also not going to start talking about global warming.) But oil is running out, and prices are going up. If there is a burp in productivity, prices will burp too. It makes sense to start thinking about how we can live on less oil.
And I've gotta say that Japan seems better off than the US in this regard. People are used to crowded living. The live-able land is as big as a US state, whereas the population is about HALF the US population. The fraction of power that comes from nuclear is pretty high, and the fraction of people that drive daily is small.
I think the biggest reason is cultural: Japanese people are still culturally aware of their feudal age, which officially ended only 150 years ago. People want to live close together--a holdover from the time when a village had to weigh land for rice patties over privacy, I think. "Crowded" has a connotation of happy and lively.
The result is super narrow streets that cars literally don't fit on--where would you park it anyway? And neighborhoods where it literally is faster go shopping at the supermarket by bicycle. The only vehicles guaranteed to run every day are delivery trucks and scooters.
Of course, the other benefit of having a shadow memory of feudal times is the ability to cope. You don't often hear Japanese people complaining about a late bus, or having to take the bus in the first place. ... I can't imagine there'd be much time wasted on a "Why did this have to happen to me" reaction if the flow of foreign oil happened to stop. They'd just say "Oh well". And then "So, who wants to walk next door for noodles?"
11 July 2008
Benz cop?
I did a double take from my bicycle when I saw this. It looked a bit like Germany, so many Mercedes.. until I realized that the lights belonged to a mini-sized toyota behind it.
... Sadly I was blind to the cars being on the wrong side of the road.. and the van saying PUMPKIN... oh well
10 July 2008
Sneeze and a half
In light of passing the week anniversary, today is 8 days since the procedure, thought I could spend a few words on symptoms and observations.
Short version: try not to sneeze. It hurts.
Long version:
Every day is a little different, generally with less and less bad stuff. Same as before the surgery, the mornings are better than the evenings. I got bruising, I got aches. Piercing pain tends to hit around 4pm.
A growing problem is the plastic wrap thing--imagine a big clear sticker. I imagine it was placed on my (shaved) skin at the end of the procedure by two people: one to stretch out the area and the other to apply it. At first, due to the swelling, it was pretty smooth. But now the swelling has gone down to about 25% of how it used to be, so the plastic is rippling and the edges are more stiff. I get a whole range of sensations; my hair is growing back but is trapped underneath the plastic. It's like beard itch and a bandaid slowly peeling off at the same time. ... The blood that had leaked and pooled under the plastic is now all dry--so that's also a bit odd. Looking forward to my appointment next Monday to get the plastic off and that stuff finally cleaned.
I'm depleting my medicine cabinet pretty quickly. The anti-inflammatory diclofenac that I got when leaving the hospital ran out the third back home. Now I'm doing acetaminophen for pain and sometimes ibuprofen for swelling.
I can't laugh, can't cough.. and sneezing hurts. I've had two sneezing events since the surgery. One of them was a half sneeze--somehow I stiffled it. Yesterday I had a 3/4 sneeze, and it nearly knocked me out!! I had a throbbing pain for the rest of the day. ..if my procedure happened during the spring time, I'd definitely take anti-allergy (loratadine). Sneeze risk a serious deal.
... but I should add, not everything is bad. Not sure if it's due to stress relief, an unobstructed pathway now that my small intestine is where it should be, or the cleansing effect of hospital food, but ... well, hopefully I can be indirect about what I mean. Very efficient use of time on the toilet.
Edit: Forgot to mention two things. #1) There was some internal leakage during the procedure, resulting in dark coloration of the back/rear side of my right scrotal sac. (Same side as the hernia.) That discoloration is now gone. I wasn't checking it every day, but I guess it was the first bruising to appear and recover. #2) My Dad experienced numbness near his incision, but I never did. I can feel through the plastic pretty well.
Short version: try not to sneeze. It hurts.
Long version:
Every day is a little different, generally with less and less bad stuff. Same as before the surgery, the mornings are better than the evenings. I got bruising, I got aches. Piercing pain tends to hit around 4pm.
A growing problem is the plastic wrap thing--imagine a big clear sticker. I imagine it was placed on my (shaved) skin at the end of the procedure by two people: one to stretch out the area and the other to apply it. At first, due to the swelling, it was pretty smooth. But now the swelling has gone down to about 25% of how it used to be, so the plastic is rippling and the edges are more stiff. I get a whole range of sensations; my hair is growing back but is trapped underneath the plastic. It's like beard itch and a bandaid slowly peeling off at the same time. ... The blood that had leaked and pooled under the plastic is now all dry--so that's also a bit odd. Looking forward to my appointment next Monday to get the plastic off and that stuff finally cleaned.
I'm depleting my medicine cabinet pretty quickly. The anti-inflammatory diclofenac that I got when leaving the hospital ran out the third back home. Now I'm doing acetaminophen for pain and sometimes ibuprofen for swelling.
I can't laugh, can't cough.. and sneezing hurts. I've had two sneezing events since the surgery. One of them was a half sneeze--somehow I stiffled it. Yesterday I had a 3/4 sneeze, and it nearly knocked me out!! I had a throbbing pain for the rest of the day. ..if my procedure happened during the spring time, I'd definitely take anti-allergy (loratadine). Sneeze risk a serious deal.
... but I should add, not everything is bad. Not sure if it's due to stress relief, an unobstructed pathway now that my small intestine is where it should be, or the cleansing effect of hospital food, but ... well, hopefully I can be indirect about what I mean. Very efficient use of time on the toilet.
Edit: Forgot to mention two things. #1) There was some internal leakage during the procedure, resulting in dark coloration of the back/rear side of my right scrotal sac. (Same side as the hernia.) That discoloration is now gone. I wasn't checking it every day, but I guess it was the first bruising to appear and recover. #2) My Dad experienced numbness near his incision, but I never did. I can feel through the plastic pretty well.
05 July 2008
Please do it at home
There's a ad campaign to promote good behavior on Tokyo subways. Here's a snapshot I took just before my surgery.
Meaning? Here's what I think, either:
Please dance like Stevie Wonder at home.
or
Please clean your ears out (guy on right) at home.
What do you think?
Meaning? Here's what I think, either:
Please dance like Stevie Wonder at home.
or
Please clean your ears out (guy on right) at home.
What do you think?
04 July 2008
Dating your nurse
First, I want to say that my surgery proceeded normally, and I'm starting to feel better. My procedure was exactly 48 hours ago. I have some swelling and some pain when I move, but I feel lost better today than yesterday. If the trend continues, I'll be walking like normal in 5 or 6 days. (I'm still doing the hospital shuffle at the moment.) [I'll add a couple things in the advice post.]
But I have a new problem: I'm in love with my nurse.
... OK, not really "Love" but it sounds more dramatic that way. Let's just say, she's really cute, what's more she seems like a good person, and I'm interested in learning more about her and seeing her again.
This brings up two questions. #1 Is this some kind of patient-caregiver syndrome, like what happened in "Back to the Future" between Marty and his (future) Mom but in reverse? #2 How do you make that awkward first step at changing a professional relationship into a personal one?
The answer to #1 I'm leaving up to you guys. Am I being dumb? Please comment.
The answer to #2, I think, is to bring a little thank-you gift, like a fruit basket, next time I come to the hospital for my appointment, which is about 10 days from now. I'll print out the photo of me and her (taken by my request) and include my email on the back in case she wants to meet and practice English. ... We occasionally spoke about how to say different things that she often says to patients in English, so maybe that would be appropriate. (For examplle instead of "Please check your wound," to use "Please let me check your wound.") The point being, if she's interested she can write me. But if not, I'm just being thankful for the nursing staff who helped me out the past couple days.
Yes, I've been thinking about that. Could be I consider a nurse to be a good match since there are many nurses in my family, I dunno.
But I have a new problem: I'm in love with my nurse.
... OK, not really "Love" but it sounds more dramatic that way. Let's just say, she's really cute, what's more she seems like a good person, and I'm interested in learning more about her and seeing her again.
This brings up two questions. #1 Is this some kind of patient-caregiver syndrome, like what happened in "Back to the Future" between Marty and his (future) Mom but in reverse? #2 How do you make that awkward first step at changing a professional relationship into a personal one?
The answer to #1 I'm leaving up to you guys. Am I being dumb? Please comment.
The answer to #2, I think, is to bring a little thank-you gift, like a fruit basket, next time I come to the hospital for my appointment, which is about 10 days from now. I'll print out the photo of me and her (taken by my request) and include my email on the back in case she wants to meet and practice English. ... We occasionally spoke about how to say different things that she often says to patients in English, so maybe that would be appropriate. (For examplle instead of "Please check your wound," to use "Please let me check your wound.") The point being, if she's interested she can write me. But if not, I'm just being thankful for the nursing staff who helped me out the past couple days.
Yes, I've been thinking about that. Could be I consider a nurse to be a good match since there are many nurses in my family, I dunno.
01 July 2008
Inguinal hernia in Tokyo - advice
In case some of my ex-pat comrades stumble upon this blog because they're going through the same thing as me, I thought I should journal a bit of the process I've gone through in the last few weeks.
If you Googled "inguinal hernia Tokyo" then chances are you've at least gotten a preliminary diagnosis. If not, here are some points:
When you get your check-in date, you'll get a list of things you should bring. Some of these things are unlike Western-country hospitals. In case your list is in a language you can't read, it includes: [[**See Edit coments]]
That's it! If I have anything to add once it's all over, I'll edit my post and tack new advice below.
I check-in tomorrow. .. Yesterday's appointment with the head of anesthesia reassured me so much that I'm almost dreading the 9am rush hour more than the procedure.. Wish me luck
[[Edit: Comments after checking-out]]
My impression of my stay was as I expected or better. Part of that may be due to a room upgrade for the same price--as explained to me, the lower rate room I'd requested and they said would be available was full, so I was given the much better room for the same price. It included towel service, a cup for tea, and hand soap in the bath room. I was thankful for my shampoo, kleenex, and PC notebook with movies.
Also, I should comment that the swelling near my incision (which is a bit higher up on my body than where my hernia poked out) is substantial, and I was very glad to be wearing a loose / free form yukata on my way home. Perhaps my obi looked like crap since it was tied very loose, but without being able or wanting to use any abdominal muscles, my belly pooches out a LOT now. So.. not having to button trousers has been a very good thing. Loose boxers as underwear has also been great--worn high to reduce pressure on the critical zone.
As far as the procedure goes, everything went as I expected. I'd stayed up late the night before the procedure getting everything packed, and that combined with the many naps I'd taken immediately after the surgery perhaps lead to a hard time sleeping through the night. But the second night I slept great and woke up with no pain. Good stuff. ... Just as it was before the procedure, staying prone and lying down is the best way to be.
Best of luck to any of you going through this too! I'll make occasional comments about my recovery as time goes by so maybe you can gauge how long it really takes.
If you Googled "inguinal hernia Tokyo" then chances are you've at least gotten a preliminary diagnosis. If not, here are some points:
- Step 1, clinic. In Japan, you'll pay about a $50 fee if you go directly to the hospital without a referral letter. The idea is to promote preventive medicine and get more people to go to local clinics.
- It can be almost any clinic; they're used to writing letters. Go to a clinic you're comfortable with. I was lucky to find a bowel/internal guy close to my apartment who advertises "English-speaking Doctor in Tokyo." (He's also on lists on embassy websites. (Check out US, Oz, and NZ sites)
- Double-check health insurance coverage before you go. I'm part time thus on Japan National Health Insurance, which means no access to the "foreigner clinics" in Roppongi/Embassy part of town.
- This is fixed by surgery. Real surgery, anesthesia, sutures, battle scars, the whole bit. BUT NOTE: it's a common surgery with very low risks.
- On the net you'll find information that endoscopic / laparoscopic / video camera procedures might seem like the way to go. Smaller scars, quicker recovery, etc. However, the truth is that method takes twice as long on the table as conventional mesh-type herniorrhaphy (aka hernia repair) with a slightly larger set of risks. (Though still low.) It isn't an every-day procedure in the US, and in Japan it's even more rare. If you really want it, you'll likely have to search or travel for surgery.
- Most doctors speak so-so English, but most staff have broken English at best. If you have a friend / significant figure to help you, use them.
- Seems like most hospitals have ID cards, looks like a credit card. Always keep that handy, it gets swiped a lot.
- Important one: Surgeons don't consider this procedure to be a terribly challenging job--it's routine. So, if you go to a renown university hospital, you're almost guaranteed to get a young less-experienced person doing the procedure. A smaller, private hospital is more likely to assign an experienced surgeon when you ask for it.
- Each time you leave the hospital you're likely to stick cash into a machine (as if buying stamps).
- The two common choices for anesthesia are spinal and general. Most surgeons have a preference for one over the other, but if not you might get to choose. Worth asking.
- Spinal anesthesia involves putting your lower body to sleep by numbing your spine. A very thin needle is used to administer a single drug directly to the spine. The upper body is awake (& you too).
- Spinal is super cheap and has less risk of allergic reaction (when only one active drug), but when the numbness wears off most young guys go through a painful, messy, and potentially embarrassing episode with the urinary catheter.
- Some patients want to be able to talk with their surgeon during the procedure.
- Sedation is an option to help the time pass (and perhaps lessen anxiety) but then the prices jumps back up to the same as General.
- Spinal is super cheap and has less risk of allergic reaction (when only one active drug), but when the numbness wears off most young guys go through a painful, messy, and potentially embarrassing episode with the urinary catheter.
- General anesthesia involves drugs through the IV line. There's often a mixture of at least two drugs, one to put you 100% out and the other to stop all body movement.
- General anesthesia is pricey, and a tube goes down your throat to ensure that the body gets enough oxygen. It's there for a couple hours, so the throat will hurt and you might be hoarse for a while. The plus side is that you're body is 100% stationary for the surgeon, and you get to simply wake up when it's over.
When you get your check-in date, you'll get a list of things you should bring. Some of these things are unlike Western-country hospitals. In case your list is in a language you can't read, it includes: [[**See Edit coments]]
- Slippers with rubber soles. Guess you might have to walk through .. liquid.
- Cup for tea/coffee, if you want it between meals.
- Pajamas.
- Robe. My hospital seems to emphasize this point: no roaming in pajamas. I just bought some yukata for summer so I'll bring one to use as a robe and use zori as my slippers.
- Kleenex / tissue.
- Towels. My hospital has different level rooms; most rooms get towel changes but the cheapest ones don't.
- Underwear / undershirts / socks / etc, enough for the whole stay. They don't do laundry, traditionally your family members take care of that.
- Toiletries: toothbrush/etc, soap, shampoo/etc, razor. Too bad hospitals aren't set up like love hotels which (as I've heard) have all that complimentary.
- cell phone charger
- laptop with movies & shows I wanna watch. .. so I don't have to pay for a TV rental card
- AC cord for laptop
- stuffed animal so I can mark where my scar is and not have to awkwardly point to my groin region all the time.
- ATM card. They traditionally get payment at check-out. My bank's machine is even in the lobby! Credit card should also work.
That's it! If I have anything to add once it's all over, I'll edit my post and tack new advice below.
I check-in tomorrow. .. Yesterday's appointment with the head of anesthesia reassured me so much that I'm almost dreading the 9am rush hour more than the procedure.. Wish me luck
[[Edit: Comments after checking-out]]
My impression of my stay was as I expected or better. Part of that may be due to a room upgrade for the same price--as explained to me, the lower rate room I'd requested and they said would be available was full, so I was given the much better room for the same price. It included towel service, a cup for tea, and hand soap in the bath room. I was thankful for my shampoo, kleenex, and PC notebook with movies.
Also, I should comment that the swelling near my incision (which is a bit higher up on my body than where my hernia poked out) is substantial, and I was very glad to be wearing a loose / free form yukata on my way home. Perhaps my obi looked like crap since it was tied very loose, but without being able or wanting to use any abdominal muscles, my belly pooches out a LOT now. So.. not having to button trousers has been a very good thing. Loose boxers as underwear has also been great--worn high to reduce pressure on the critical zone.
As far as the procedure goes, everything went as I expected. I'd stayed up late the night before the procedure getting everything packed, and that combined with the many naps I'd taken immediately after the surgery perhaps lead to a hard time sleeping through the night. But the second night I slept great and woke up with no pain. Good stuff. ... Just as it was before the procedure, staying prone and lying down is the best way to be.
Best of luck to any of you going through this too! I'll make occasional comments about my recovery as time goes by so maybe you can gauge how long it really takes.
pre-hospital whirlwind
Tomorrow is the day. Things have been fairly hectic lately. Or it could be that trying to keep a "normal" Tokyo schedule is a bit trying at present.
In the past 5 days I've prepared and given group seminar, waited about an hour for an appointment with my surgeon, had dinner with the lab to welcome a visiting student from my alma mater, met with friends twice, tried a new restaurant to keep things fresh, prepared an submitted a job application with cover letter and sample 600-word editorial on a recent nanotech paper, met with my anesthesiologist, filled in my paperwork for my June pay stub, signed a release on a court settlement from a car crash that was ages ago, sewed a new hem on my yukata so I can wear it in the hospital as a robe, and typed a blog entry.
(I left out a few things, but you get the drift.)
... What I really want to do at this point is document my condition, so I can read it later anddecide if be reassured that it was all really worth it.
Right now as I type, the pain is not that bad. From when I wake in the morning until early afternoon I'm fine--I simply have a little ponch on one side of the lowest part of the abdomen when I stand up. It's totally gone with I lie down. (In fact, I've envisioned taking a photo of the area as pre-scar documentation, but.. uh.. still haven't figured out a non compromising pose to make...)
Eventually the region gets tender, as if someone had punched me hard enough to hit my pelvis bone. I self-consciously start protecting it. Then a nerve to other nearby areas (which need not be mentioned) must get activated, some kind of secondary effect, which makes me feel like I just got kicked in the groin.
I walk slow when that happens. Real slow.
I have a lot in common with the Tokyo retiree community these days. Youngins move faster than me, I don't ride the train at times when I can't get a seat, and when I do get a seat I make one of a variety of "coming in for a landing" grunts. (...I think a lot of it is psychological, because I really don't want to enlarge the herniation.)
So, despite typical surgery fears (general anesthesia, scarring, etc), cheapness (a bed for $300/night?!? damn!), and anxiety over inevitable cultural differences, I have good reasons to look forward to my surgery. All this will be fixed up soon.
I really look forward to the moment when I'm fit enough to play soccer (2 months?) and jog again.
In the past 5 days I've prepared and given group seminar, waited about an hour for an appointment with my surgeon, had dinner with the lab to welcome a visiting student from my alma mater, met with friends twice, tried a new restaurant to keep things fresh, prepared an submitted a job application with cover letter and sample 600-word editorial on a recent nanotech paper, met with my anesthesiologist, filled in my paperwork for my June pay stub, signed a release on a court settlement from a car crash that was ages ago, sewed a new hem on my yukata so I can wear it in the hospital as a robe, and typed a blog entry.
(I left out a few things, but you get the drift.)
... What I really want to do at this point is document my condition, so I can read it later and
Right now as I type, the pain is not that bad. From when I wake in the morning until early afternoon I'm fine--I simply have a little ponch on one side of the lowest part of the abdomen when I stand up. It's totally gone with I lie down. (In fact, I've envisioned taking a photo of the area as pre-scar documentation, but.. uh.. still haven't figured out a non compromising pose to make...)
Eventually the region gets tender, as if someone had punched me hard enough to hit my pelvis bone. I self-consciously start protecting it. Then a nerve to other nearby areas (which need not be mentioned) must get activated, some kind of secondary effect, which makes me feel like I just got kicked in the groin.
I walk slow when that happens. Real slow.
I have a lot in common with the Tokyo retiree community these days. Youngins move faster than me, I don't ride the train at times when I can't get a seat, and when I do get a seat I make one of a variety of "coming in for a landing" grunts. (...I think a lot of it is psychological, because I really don't want to enlarge the herniation.)
So, despite typical surgery fears (general anesthesia, scarring, etc), cheapness (a bed for $300/night?!? damn!), and anxiety over inevitable cultural differences, I have good reasons to look forward to my surgery. All this will be fixed up soon.
I really look forward to the moment when I'm fit enough to play soccer (2 months?) and jog again.
20 June 2008
fun with Jpn -> Eng translation
Just wanted to share a bit of my daily goodness, obtained by translating this page regarding hospital readmissions from Japanese to English using Google's free translator. (And I'll date myself by admitting I used to do the same thing for fun using AltaVista..)
Re-examination of
The ministry said in principle with a reservation system. Book a visit, if not, can not be consultation during the day.
...
If re-examination
Automatic re-examination of the patient's procedure for accepting machines. Plane tickets to the information desk in consultation please.
So.. what would YOU do upon entering the hospital? Hint: it has nothing to do with voting. Or aircraft surrounded by volunteers...
Re-examination of
The ministry said in principle with a reservation system. Book a visit, if not, can not be consultation during the day.
...
If re-examination
Automatic re-examination of the patient's procedure for accepting machines. Plane tickets to the information desk in consultation please.
- Reception from the old machine votes and calling card is in consultation. Either you do not forget to KUDASAI.
- Pass a physical examination and consultation vote calling card to put aside the old machine accepting the folder available please be transparent.
- Accepting the aircraft surrounded by people who volunteer, and the patient was also embarrass immediate help.
So.. what would YOU do upon entering the hospital? Hint: it has nothing to do with voting. Or aircraft surrounded by volunteers...
nano-Energy
I'm a bad, bad man.
I haven't posted here in too long. My threats to post interesting photos are lame...
So if you're not reading this, I don't blame you.
... HOWEVER, in my defense, I've been to job fairs, I've honed and re-honed my resume numerous times, I've been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia (no worries, mine's not too painful), I've experienced frustration & convenience within the world that is Tokyo health-care, and I've been trying to keep up with Japanese lessons and research all the while. You can try to make me feel guilty about not blogging, but it probably won't work.
To tide you over, check out an interesting whitepaper that does a fair job explaining what's important to many scientists these days. I'm very happy to field questions about it; to me it reads like a newspaper, but I admit my perspective is one from the inside... In fact, I'm curious what parts you find particularly sci-gibberish-y. (Please comment!)
Section 2.5 is especially relevant to my general area of research. You're allowed to skip over technical bits. In fact, I skipped over most of the "mineral extraction" sections--the author obviously needs to mention that due to his university. (Not to say it's not as important as Energy--it's all related--rather I don't know much about it.) ... Anyway, the author often gets back to general, overall info before and after new section headings.
That's all for now. Probability of future posts with analysis of Tokyo health care is rather high.
Sincerly,
Your non-diligent author, currently letting it all hang out. (.. of his lower abdominal wall)
I haven't posted here in too long. My threats to post interesting photos are lame...
So if you're not reading this, I don't blame you.
... HOWEVER, in my defense, I've been to job fairs, I've honed and re-honed my resume numerous times, I've been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia (no worries, mine's not too painful), I've experienced frustration & convenience within the world that is Tokyo health-care, and I've been trying to keep up with Japanese lessons and research all the while. You can try to make me feel guilty about not blogging, but it probably won't work.
To tide you over, check out an interesting whitepaper that does a fair job explaining what's important to many scientists these days. I'm very happy to field questions about it; to me it reads like a newspaper, but I admit my perspective is one from the inside... In fact, I'm curious what parts you find particularly sci-gibberish-y. (Please comment!)
Section 2.5 is especially relevant to my general area of research. You're allowed to skip over technical bits. In fact, I skipped over most of the "mineral extraction" sections--the author obviously needs to mention that due to his university. (Not to say it's not as important as Energy--it's all related--rather I don't know much about it.) ... Anyway, the author often gets back to general, overall info before and after new section headings.
That's all for now. Probability of future posts with analysis of Tokyo health care is rather high.
Sincerly,
Your non-diligent author, currently letting it all hang out. (.. of his lower abdominal wall)
20 May 2008
US Politics
In response to a post on a different blog, by my friend Dan.
I just read the Carter speech entitled "Crisis of Confidence" (thank you thank you PBS), and I agree that many of his words during that energy crisis are like *Doh* that's so true!! Carter said a lot of things that ring true today.
But.. Carter. ..Seems like a different time. I'd only ever seen clips of Carter in news on TV, or rather, impersonations of Carter. Certainly an interesting President, but ... not really effective--more a reaction to Watergate. If we look back, his conservation policies didn't play out--stability came by increasing production and foreign imports. (Dan says history is repeating itself, but I'm not so sure.)
I also recently watched the Ken Burns documentary on Thomas Jefferson. (... which, aside from occasionally agonizing voice-overs by one historian that I didn't like, seemed to do a good job at portraying Jefferson and his mysteriousness.. ) I wonder what Jefferson would be like if he were born today. If he were President, would he be like GW Bush or Clinton? It seems more likely to me that he was thrust into politics by chance. That his version of politics would anonymously, on a blog--if he even considered politics at all.
Maybe my interest in old presidents is because I'm creeping towards a career change. Or thinking practically about my future. Am I looking for guidance? Or maybe it's due to my perspective, as an American looking in from the outside? Or maybe it's because I'm pondering a return to Western culture, seeking some identity..
Whatever the case, this is a "Tokyo blog." I can comment on how politics seems to work here in Asia: Politics are for politicians. Most people just don't care, and couldn't bother. Things change only when it's obvious that they should change--when the situation grows pathetic--at which point they jump several steps all at once. They take their best stab at fixing it (and perhaps, if the non-political public is lucky, also consider what the future problem will be). ... and it stays that way. Until the situation grows pathetic again.
Perhaps it really is the Buddhist mindset: you have a fate. And sometimes your fate sucks. Deal. This is the only reason I can muster for why people can put up with so much crap here. Japanese people can truly deal with anything.
I have no doubt they could manage an energy crisis better than Americans.
Not because they'll find an alternative--Western mentality is much better-suited for that. It's simply that Japanese know how to cope.
... Americans have freedom, Asia has history. And the more I think about it.. Europe seems to have both. I just wish it wasn't so far away from friends and family..
I just read the Carter speech entitled "Crisis of Confidence" (thank you thank you PBS), and I agree that many of his words during that energy crisis are like *Doh* that's so true!! Carter said a lot of things that ring true today.
But.. Carter. ..Seems like a different time. I'd only ever seen clips of Carter in news on TV, or rather, impersonations of Carter. Certainly an interesting President, but ... not really effective--more a reaction to Watergate. If we look back, his conservation policies didn't play out--stability came by increasing production and foreign imports. (Dan says history is repeating itself, but I'm not so sure.)
I also recently watched the Ken Burns documentary on Thomas Jefferson. (... which, aside from occasionally agonizing voice-overs by one historian that I didn't like, seemed to do a good job at portraying Jefferson and his mysteriousness.. ) I wonder what Jefferson would be like if he were born today. If he were President, would he be like GW Bush or Clinton? It seems more likely to me that he was thrust into politics by chance. That his version of politics would anonymously, on a blog--if he even considered politics at all.
Maybe my interest in old presidents is because I'm creeping towards a career change. Or thinking practically about my future. Am I looking for guidance? Or maybe it's due to my perspective, as an American looking in from the outside? Or maybe it's because I'm pondering a return to Western culture, seeking some identity..
Whatever the case, this is a "Tokyo blog." I can comment on how politics seems to work here in Asia: Politics are for politicians. Most people just don't care, and couldn't bother. Things change only when it's obvious that they should change--when the situation grows pathetic--at which point they jump several steps all at once. They take their best stab at fixing it (and perhaps, if the non-political public is lucky, also consider what the future problem will be). ... and it stays that way. Until the situation grows pathetic again.
Perhaps it really is the Buddhist mindset: you have a fate. And sometimes your fate sucks. Deal. This is the only reason I can muster for why people can put up with so much crap here. Japanese people can truly deal with anything.
I have no doubt they could manage an energy crisis better than Americans.
Not because they'll find an alternative--Western mentality is much better-suited for that. It's simply that Japanese know how to cope.
... Americans have freedom, Asia has history. And the more I think about it.. Europe seems to have both. I just wish it wasn't so far away from friends and family..
07 May 2008
the blog cycle
To the folks who've been wondering "Is that man alive??", my apologies.
I'm alive.
My routine has changed, however, and I think the Reset has yet to settle out. I elected to cut my work schedule in half, in order that I could dedicate my full efforts on finding a new career. Having the time off has led to some good "after pondering nuggets o'truth"
In addition to plenty of pondering & resume updates, I've been busy with Japanese lessons, LINUX upgrades, TV-watchin' (almost reached my limit there), back achin', and family chattin'. Of the Japanese lessons, Air Con Kanji has definitely been the most useful.
.. I have a number of interesting photos.. pester me with comments and I promise I'll post them
I'm alive.
My routine has changed, however, and I think the Reset has yet to settle out. I elected to cut my work schedule in half, in order that I could dedicate my full efforts on finding a new career. Having the time off has led to some good "after pondering nuggets o'truth"
- If left to my own devices, I wake up late. .. Not because I hate mornings--more because I love evenings.
- Blogs happen in cycles. The impetus and/or mission of a blog changes with time. In my case, when I suddenly had time to communicate on a more regular basis with my family, blog motivation went down.
- I'm lazy. That's a huge reason why I do research with computers and I'm still in academia. I'm also scared of change and the hard bottom line.
- "Business" is getting people to do things your way. Whether they (or you) realize it or not doesn't matter. Not necessarily related to "Success"--that's more related to the quality of your decisions.
- I'd probably be most happy with the freedom & flexibility of working for a small company. But two problems with that are 1) I need to work for a big company in order to connect with said small company and 2) See above, re "lazy."
In addition to plenty of pondering & resume updates, I've been busy with Japanese lessons, LINUX upgrades, TV-watchin' (almost reached my limit there), back achin', and family chattin'. Of the Japanese lessons, Air Con Kanji has definitely been the most useful.
.. I have a number of interesting photos.. pester me with comments and I promise I'll post them
17 February 2008
Smell the plum blossoms
Been a good weekend to take some time and smell the plum blossoms.. (and do some laundry too)
22 January 2008
It lives
Sorry for the lack of .. well.. everything. :) If I had picasa for linux, I'd bloggin' up a storm, me reckons
Multiple Choice Test
What has Lance been doing?
Multiple Choice Test
What has Lance been doing?
- Not flossing between meals.
- Holiday frivolities with 3 year olds.
- Phones! Phones! Garrrrr...
- all of the above.
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