Got a car, newcomer's orientation

On Wednesday, I picked up the car I bought last Thursday. For less than $3000, I got a 10 year-old small car with about 60,000 miles (100,000km) on it. And -- of course -- being a Japanese car in Japan, it has the steering wheel on the right hand side.

I'm taking it slow. I drove around post a little, which was exactly my speed. With speed limits of 30km/h (~20 mph), you have lots of time to react if you're about to do something wrong.

Today I had the newcomer's briefing, which talked about all the service that are available at all the different offices on post. That went from 8-12, and included lunch. In the afternoon, the group went on a bus tour of the installation and its nearby U.S. housing area. We were done by about 3:00.

I appreciate having a single brief, but I wish they'll time it a little differently. I've been on ground for a week-and-a-half already. I already have a driver's license and a car, and if I were more focused (or OK with lots of walking) I could have completed all my in-processing.

I'm going to recommend they keep the briefing biweekly, but switch the week to accommodate civilian new hires like me, though I can't possibly guess how many people that might affect.

Now that I have a car, tomorrow I'll do the remaining in-processing. If I can't finish it by tomorrow, I'll have to pick it up on Tuesday next week (because of the holiday).