Hello America!

This weekend I had a nasty cold. I had a fever and sore throat and everything. Luckily the doctor said it was only a cold and nothing more. If I have a fever tomorrow then I have to go back and get more medicine. I have started reading Lord of the Rings this week. I love the movie and so far the book is even better. I was so sick this weekend I did not even want to read the book! I have drank lots of tea, if you see blueberry/raspberry tea, please drink it! Well, I am gonna head off to bed soon. Nite!

Well, what a week I had. I spent most of the week getting ready for a Japanese Speech Contest. I placed exactly in the middle...number 7 out of 13 so i can not complain. It was a great experience and that was why I was doing it. I met a lot of other people there and it was wonderful. Giving my speech in Japanese was very tough...especially since I have a small fear of speaking in front of big crowds. I did do some shaking, but overall, did alright. I won 10,000 yen which equals about $100, so that was an unexpected bonus...I would have tried much harder if I had known money was at stake. But I did it only for the experience and had fun doing it. Some of my students even came and watched me!

Other than that...it's been a nice slow week. I started my holiday shopping. Still have a couple more gifts to buy, but I think everyone should like there gifts. Well, I need to catch some ZZZs, have a great day!

Sorry about the month hiatus

Hello all! Sorry it has been so long. I have been so busy lately! October flew by in a flash. I had an interview for an Emergency Teacher position with AEON. One of the important people from the head office came up and observed my classes. He gave me a lot of good feedback to help me with my classes. I was offered a one year contract to become an ET but I declined it and have decided to stay at Kumagaya for the 3 more months. I thought about the possibility of a long 2 and a half hour commute in Tokyo during rush hour and decided that really wasn't for me.

I also went to a wonderful ikebana exhibition. Ikebana is the traditional flower arrangement art here in Japan. One of my co-workers does it and she invited me to the exhibition. It was very amazing and I learned a lot. I also was served green tea the traditional way.

I am actually feeling a little under the weather today. I have been sneezing and coughing and have a slight temp. I am gonna go to be early tonight after I call home of course! No need to worry about me though....I will be fine.

Thank you so much for the pictures Aunt Pat! You and Uncle Bill look great! Keep them coming!