Instant Coffee

When I actually do leave this place, there will be a number of things that I will miss. I love that if I'm ever out of real coffee - God forbid- I can go to a convenience store (which are usually so close to any spot you might happen to be, that you could turn your neck and spot 3). Then buy one of these little handy suckers which includes its very own cup, sugar, powdered milk, a stirrer and a plastic cover. 2 in a pack. Not bad.

Bad hair day??

It was a little like putting my head on an ironing board.

Jason and Yuriko tie the knot (again)

Jason is near and dear to my heart here in Yamagata. We spend lots of time together on the train going to company classes, we see eye to eye on a lot of issues and generally just have each other's back around here. Even though he and Yuri were married last year in Canada, they decided to also have a traditional Japanese wedding here in Yamagata. What an amazing experience. I wish we had the same kinds of ceremonies in America. The shrine was divided in half and both families sat on opposite sides facing one another. The couple was up the steps with the priest who blessed them 3 different ways. I'm not sure what they all mean, but that's something for me to look up (as mom would say). Just before the couple takes their vows, each member of the family stands up and introduces themselves to the other side. If only for this one moment, the two sides are joined as one family. That was the most touching part for me. Of course, a marriage should be about the two people making a commitment, but in my book, by the time you walk down the aisle, that promise has already been made. The ceremony really should be focused a little more on introductions and celebrations for the rest.

Sakura Sakura
(Japanese Transliteration)

Sakura sakura
Noyama mo sato mo
Miwatasu kagiri
Kasumi ka kumo ka
Asahi ni niou
Sakura sakura
Hana zakari

Sakura sakura
Yayoi no sora wa
Miwatasu kagiri
Kasumi ka kumo ka
Nioi zo izuru
Izaya izaya
Mini yu kan

Cherry Blossoms, Cherry Blossoms
(English Translation)

Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
On mountains and in villages,
As far as you can see.
They look like a mist, or clouds,
Fragrant in the morning sun.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
They’re in full bloom.

Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Across the April skies,
As far as you can see.
They look like a mist, or clouds,
Blooming fragrantly.
Let’s go! Let’s go!
Let’s go see them!

さくら　さくら
　やよいのそらは
　みわたすかぎり
　かすみかくもか
　においぞいずる
　いざやいざや
　みにゆかん

This is a magical time of year when all of the Cherry Blossoms bloom and the biggest story on the evening news is exactly *when* the trees will be full in your own area. Our turn was a few weeks ago and there were several picnic parties that ensued. The biggest was the Jame's party with some of our students. My youngest is Kanon, she's two and adored by her great uncle. I hope I'll be able to spend a little time with that family outside of class in the upcoming months. They are great people. As always, John was tackeled by the kids on a regular basis. Lisa and Nadine were making the rounds as well. After all of the students left, we went to join the other teachers just on the other side of the park. It was really a beautiful day and I wish we had stayed a little longer, but you see, we had bigger and better things planned. FIRST, we had to ditch Lisa. This was a trick, let me tell you! But it was her birthday and Yuta wanted to throw her a suprise at SMILE, his restaurant. So, one by one, we mysteriously disappeared and met at the restaurant. It worked and we all had a blast. These are pictures of our crew plus a few. Megumi is a wonderful member of the Jame's office staff. She's really the only one who comes out to parties with us. Esther was there, she is a social butterfly from England and also teaches us Ashtanga Yoga on Mondays. (oooohmmmmmm) Fabulous Trenton was there sporting the appropriate sakura pink, John Friday and I are doing the infamous Friday pout. Bryan and John holding up the wall. Nadine, Lisa and Megumi show off their stuff... and of course, just some various shots of Lisa during her birthday moment.

Yuta's Birthday

These are just a few shots from a typical night out on the town. It was Lisa's boyfriend's birthday. (yes, there are too Lisa's. Lisa Mee is from Colorado and is a really cool chick. She spent time working in Antarctica, worked at a circus in Australia, and now Japan. And her real name is Mary. Haha Mary Mee - sorry lis, couldn't resist. I couldn't believe it, until I saw her passport.) Anyhoo, there are some shots of Lisa and Yuta, Jason and Yuri (they've been married for awhile but just had their Japanese ceremony AND have a new puppy!! I love Billy!!) Bryan is also there with his girl, Mieko. This was the night that a group of salary men next to us taught him a Japanese dance with plates. I've got a movie of that one!

Springtime... or is it???

Okay, so now we're into March. You'd think rabbits would be out of their holes, bears would be out of their caves and people would be past the point of using their kerosene heaters and electric blankets. Well, not quite yet, as Mark witnessed. He came over for a precious few days from a temperate San Francisco and into a blizzard of snow! How is that possible?? Anyway, it was really great having him here. We had sesame ramen, took a bus up to a cafe in Zao, envied the snowboarders but enjoyed our hot coffee all the same, laughed at an overly drunk salaryman, ordered pork on a stick, went to an izakaya called Doma Doma, wondered at the heated streets in Japan and huddled in front of the kerosene heater. It hadn't snowed in over a week and we all thought it was behind us, but not quite yet. I think a flake actually cast it's shadow on me. Huge. I think it snowed one other time after that, but then we were in the clear and spring is now here. (promise)