My Big Victory!

Somehow I was able to get around the red tape! I got my totally cool and stylish cell phone yesterday! We went to one cell phone company the day before and we were told that we wouldn`t be able to open up an account because I didn`t have my "gaizin card" yet. But then we called this other company and they said that it would be okay if we had proof that I had applied for one. BUT!!! We get there and after two hours of choosing the phone and selecting a plan, the agent (who my supervisor spoke to about not having the actual card- and then repsonded that it was okay) calls in headquaters to set up the new service and they "inform" her that it isn`t possible without the actual card. Apparently, there`s a new law which was implemented in April. I sit there dumbfounded because my supervisor, Y-San, explicitly made her aware of our situation and she knowingly (me and my supervisor definitely agree on this) lied to us and told us that we could open it to get us there. Of course my supervisor tried to get info as to why this was the case when we called beforehand. But, all the agent could say was "sumimasen" (I`m sorry). Later I find out that my supervisor was livid and that she would have shown her anger and made the agent squirm if it had not been for my pressence. When I heard her say this I was quite shock. I didn`t think the Japanese would do such a thing in public. There goes one stereotype out the window. I definitely couldn`t tell she felt that way. She held her anger with such poise I hadn`t thought the news bothered her at all. Anyways after another 10 minutes the agent "suggested" that the account be started under my supervisor`s name. My supervisor asked me if this would be okay, and I just looked at her. I was one, amazed that she would even consider this option. And two, grateful that she would trust me enough to open an account in her name when I had only known her for three days. Uh, I was so grateful!!! I then said of course, if it was okay with you and then..... I had it! We`ll be able to change it to my name once I get my dang card.



This thing is totally loaded. I don`t know if you guys know how advanced cell phones are in Japan, but if you don`t you`re about to find out.

In the States, it`s usually all about the size, i.e. how cute and compact your cell is. In Japan it`s the complete opposite. Cell phones here are definitely bigger on average, but they are absolutely loaded! You can use it as a credit card, a bus card. You can use it to download information off the web or store info in it. You can watch television on it, use it as an mp3 player. Download music onto it from cds. Taking picutues, maving video clips, and emailing from your phone are considered basic features. It can be used as a pre-paid card for purchasing food at convenience stores and so much more.

With my totally cool cell phone, I have all the "basic" features. I can use it as an mp3 player and download music from my cd`s. I can also watch television from it! They let me pick out my own telephone number, 080-5411-shrl (7475). And my phone`s email address is shashe_giggles_06@ezweb.ne.jp (for know, I`ll have to change the email address again once I transfer over the name to mine). But I`ll have to let you know that if you email me through my phone it might take me a while to get back to you on it just because, my phone is in JAPANESE! It just took me 40 minutes! to find out what my email address is from my phone bc I hadn`t written it down. This creates a little difficulty, but gives me loads of practice on my kanzi :).

I miss you all!