We are now into the final, three-episode arc of Doctor Who for the current season. And let me just say, it is a good thing that I have a busy work week and a BBQ on Saturday to distract me from the waiting. Otherwise, I would go insane. My brain is already whirling, trying to fit the pieces together and solve the puzzle of what will happen next. As ( Read more... )

So... y'all remember that giant wasp I mentioned a couple weeks back? The one that got into my apartment, that I caught, kept outside, and then released safely away from the apartment? The one that had me shaking in terror, it was so large and so angry ( Read more... )

The BoE representative came by today to observe my class with Ms. Numazawa and the two first year boys, Yuki and Yuya. She is basically my boss, so it was a bit nerve-wracking. The students were nervous, too. There are only two of them, so there is no chance of hiding and hoping other classmates will volunteer. (The usual technique at my larger ( Read more... )

So, I was hoping to have a relaxing weekend with plenty of time to go for a walk, take pictures of the beautiful irises blooming everywhere, plan my departure times, and do some shopping. Well, the weather put paid to any idea of enjoying the outdoors; it was miserably wet and cool all weekend. Secondly, I slept much later than I intended to both ( Read more... )

A bittersweet thought occurred to me as I was playing Oni Gokko (tag) with the elementary students today. The parts of Japan I will really remember aren't just the festivals, the people, the culture, but the little moments: playing games with the children, answering their (sometimes) silly questions about America, practicing their English with ( Read more... )

DAMN IT. After my huge breakout of cavities last summer, I changed my dental habits. I brush three times a day, floss every night, and consume virtually no soda. I've largely given up on sweets outside of special occasions. I don't even bake cookies anymore! I have sacrificed my baking, you hear me?! My gums have noticeably improved, to the point ( Read more... )

There will be no Mothra-sized WASPS trying to kill me. And I mean the insect, not the social group ( Read more... )

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I love the first few weeks back at school. The leaden silence, the stale air of the office always reminds me of how much worse my job could be without the students and teachers who brighten each day. I've made plenty of games, flashcards, and worksheets already, with fresh ideas for class springing into my head as suddenly as the blooming cherry ( Read more... )

Spring has finally arrived here in Japan. Huzzah ( Read more... )