I've been considering teaching English in Japan. Alana (a KTC professor) and I went out to discuss her experiences with the JET program. We ended up spending hours together in cheerful conversation. We began in Muddy Waters. Then she treated me to a fun and interesting meal at the Japanese restaraunt, Sakura ( Read more... )

I don't remember where I left off... but, basically, we chatted about dog couches, talked to people at Papa Juans, ate home cooked meals, and drove a lot. We drove to a store or the mall or the Amana Colonies or SOMEWHERE everyday. Cedar Rapids is a driving city. We walked on the nature trail (which leads right through town and under the ( Read more... )

I love to be outside in the shade, and today Eric and I are going walking and then having a picnic. I'm really excited about it. I love walking and relaxing in the shade, but it is even better when you throw fresh fruit into the mix. *grin*

The trip to Iowa had a lot of surprises and pleasant moments. Occasionally my sister got angry or emotional and made a scene, but in general it was a pretty good vacation. My family was trying to talk me into moving to Iowa, so they were as kind as they could be to me. Mom cooked two or three meals each day--a treat that I'm not used to. Even ( Read more... )

Hannah and I went to the mommiest coffeeshop I have ever been to yesterday. There were kids and toys and breastfeeding galore. She strongly encouraged me to ask the guy working to hang out, reassuring me that he was a total sweety, so I did. We hit the local thriftshops, then he introduced me to his dogs. One doesn't like women and bites them ( ( Read more... )

I am looking for a friend with a car who is interested in going to Salem, Mass. October would be a fantastic time to go since it is close to Halloween... I could go this month, however. It could be a terrific "ladies night out" or indulgence of pagan curiosity. Respond if you are interested. (I'd really like to go before I move back to the ( Read more... )

That's right! I get to do three of my favorite things in the same week ( Read more... )

If this is the shortened version of the eMail, imagine how long the eMail I actually sent her was.... Here it is, for your pleasure ( Read more... )

Here is a pop quiz for my readers and friends. The first person to get it right wins their choice from the following three below ( Read more... )

We give goodbye gifts to the students. They give us many. I gave all of the girls handmade, beaded anklets. I gave several students (including the conversation partners) burnt CDs. I gave Ami one of my hair flowers. (I saw her later when I was driving home and she was wearing it. ^^) I wish I had some small tokens for some of the other ( Read more... )