So I’ve been ridiculously busy lately, and I’m sorry I haven’t updated a bloody thing on here. But… I’m done being busy now, so I have time to catch up. On the 6th was the PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) Birthday Bash. You might remember me talking about it last year, too. This was my second year running the show… Read more »
I can’t believe this! I stubbed my toe (HARD) on a little desk at school last night before my late class. I was wearing toe socks (for the babies) and caught the desk leg in-between my toes. It quickly swelled up and turned purple. I knew I had to get it checked, but I still felt bad going to ER… Read more »
It seems like forever ago I promised more school pics soon. This was the first event where I didn’t get a fast turnaround on photos from the moms at school. Probably because it was the end of the school year and they now have a new teacher. I’ve also broken their hearts. My old students still come and see me… Read more »
In Japan, several of the private pre-schools have very special busses. One of my favorites is this dog bus. It goes by my school daily. I want to know if it barks for a horn. There is an old fashioned train bus near the base and it toots for it’s horn. I can never get a great shot of it… Read more »
A few people have asked me about the kinds of things that we can’t get here that can be sent in the mail. A lot of it I’ve adjusted to living without, even though I miss it. I’ll keep adding to this list when I think of stuff. Post cards, American stickers (I use them at school), Beef Jerky, Fruit Leather, See’s Candy, … Read more »
I have spent a long time trying to hunt down this “great website” that my school has. And here it is: http://www.sands-kinder.com In Japanese, it’s: http://www.sands-edu.com There is another web server we use that hosts our e-mall, and so far all I’ve found there Is this “Goodbye Mr. Mike” page. At least I’m in it, right? http://www.imageup.ne.jp/SS Our school was… Read more »
I was really surprised by the number of people who e-mailed me back with questions about the Japanese fashion stuff, so … I’ve decided to do another Culture Twist update on the fashion here. Keep in mind, these are my viewpoints, and nothing more, but I have been here a full year now with no car, so walking and taking… Read more »
I finally figured out her name. Mika (mee-kah). I was going to name her Mike (mee-keh) for the tri-color pattern (“mikeneko” in Japanese), but I’ve slipped up a few times and called her Mika, which turns out is a Japanese name for women. It means vase/urn in Japanese with that spelling, but it’s a stem in a lot of other neat… Read more »
After fostering many baby kitties, I’ve finally found the one I’m going to keep. Her current name is Sprite, but I think I may name her Bina, as in Columbina from Commedia dell’Arte. Her face looks like a Venetian mask with the diamond patterns. She also reminds me of Rose from “A Rose for Pinkerton.” She’s got the green eyes… Read more »
As you’ve probably seen from my profile, I have a new Yukata. It looks like a kimono, but really isn’t. Kimonos are silk and carry high price tags. I will get one someday, but I need to come down from the $4,000 tag before I can decide on one. What I’m wearing in my pictures is made of cotton, with… Read more »
