Top Ten Just for Jon

Jon is a good friend of mine here in Koriyama. He tells jokes like my Grampa Sandrock used to (rest his soul), he's from Colorado, he carries Bill O'Reilly with him at all times, he loves to win (although I kick his ass when we play speed)! He drinks water in a beer glass, which is a little dangerous when I'm feeling generous with my beer. At one point I referred to him as the "conservative younger brother I never had" and I think that just about sums it up. Although, I shouldn't peg him as a "conservative". He likes to think about issues and cares about getting a wider perspective, which I appreciate. In any case, Jon suggested I post a top ten list, and so just for him I have.


10. Japanese:

Tess and I have a vocab test next Wednesday. I can't *remember* the last time I studied for a vocab test! We're trying to put some structures into place so that we're actually effective. Some of our pneumonic devices are ... um... questionable but hey!! They work!

9. New Days Off:

Starting in April, I'll have Sundays and Mondays off again, rather than Saturdays and Sundays. I'm actually looking forward to that. Lots of my friends have that schedule, it's nice to have a day to be productive when the banks, post offices etc are open. Not to mention, it really does feel like a 3-day weekend when you can still go out on Friday night and yet, don't work until Tuesday. Usually shifts at James are from 10:30-7:30 or from 12:00-9:00. In Yamagata, I don't know why, but 10:30 classes seemed SOOOO EARLY. But here, our school is a little different. We teach at the public kindergartens, elementary schools and jr. high schools near the airport. That means that most days I have to be out the door by 9:00. I like the early hours and it's nice that we get paid a little extra everytime we go. What I'm getting at is... having a 10:30 shift 5 minutes away from my door will actually feel like a late morning!!

8. Love Songs

Tess and I are exchanging CD's these days and it's been really good food for the soul. It's just a breath of fresh air to connect the way we do. Anyway, one of the songs has become my new favorite love song ~ maybe of all time. Well, okay, I have a few favorites, but this one definitely makes the list. It's by Iron and Wine (what a great name for a band).

******

She says "wake up, it's no use pretending"
I'll keep stealing, breathing her.
Birds are leaving over autumn's ending
One of us will die inside these arms
Eyes wide open, naked as we came
One will spread our ashes 'round the yard

She says "If I leave before you, darling
Don't you waste me in the ground"
I lay smiling like our sleeping children
One of us will die inside these arms
Eyes wide open, naked as we came
One will spread our ashes round the yard

******

I love this song. It's so openly and lovingly accepting of the realities and truths in life. There is no reason at all to shy away from them, especially with someone you love. There's no reason to hide, there's comfort in truth, freedom in the openness, unquestioning trust. All of that is conveyed so beautifully in a 2:36 song.

7. A tribute to James Brown:

One of our very own dance clubs in Koriyama decided to dedicate a night to James Brown. I was expecting a few DJ's, but there was, in fact, a live tribute band! Now that takes some guts.


6. Why are my photos of the same people at the same place?? I need to get out more.

5. Capers Crisis:

When I went home, a year and a half ago, I bought 2 tall jars of capers. I'm now down to my last tablespoon of the little buggers!!! Soon I'll have to start paying roughly $5.00 for about 20 berries. Oh NO!!

4. Silence in the Gaijin Community:

A few weeks ago, there was a strange phenomenon in the gaijin community here. Voices were lost left and right. It was very strange, and I think it started with Jordan after his Nihon-iversary night. He wasn't yelling, singing or doing anything at all to strain his vocal chords, but the next day his voice was nowhere to be found. Poor guy had to use his vacation time trying to get it back. You really can't teach without talking. I must admit, it was pretty funny to watch him pass notes just like we all did in high school. The wierd thing was, he wasn't sick or anything of the sort. He had just lost the ability to speak. So, one night, Jon, Jordan, Tess and I went to go see The Departed (great movie). The next morning? I could barely speak. Wierd!! I'm just now feeling like my voice is getting back to normal. I heard that Paul had the same thing happen to him. Ben mentioned it too. It really was bizarre.

3. Jon and Jordan's Taj Party:

We're celebrating Jordan's birthday and Jon's 3 Nihon-iversary tonight at Taj Mahal. It should be great!

2. Small World of Kids:

I teach at a cultural center in Ito Yokado and I overheard a couple of my 7-8 year-old students talking. They really are the best ones to listen to when you're studying Japanese. Anyway, they were talking about the English teacher that goes to their school. There are lots of us and the kids know that we rotate around. Generally speaking though, I think each class has the same teacher that comes in once a month. (I think). They turned to me and asked if I knew Benjamin, which had me laugh. I told them, yes, he's my friend (which was actually one of their vocab words for the day) which had them laugh. There are a few Ben's in town, so who knows which one it is. It's a small world out here in Koriyama.

***And the number 1 thing going on at the moment IS***

Planning my trip to Vietnam!!!

March 17-24th I'll be meeting up with an old friend, Scott Keene, for a week in Vietnam! I'm so excited ~ I actually can't believe I'm going. I don't really like traveling alone, and quite frankly, it isn't safe. Japan is the safest place I've ever experienced. Living here, I know my city-girl mentality has been dulled down QUITE a bit. When I went home, I walked down 8th Street and Folsom without batting an eye, something that I would've been a little nervous about before coming here. I have to rekindle those wits about me! In any case, it will be soooo good to have a friend who knows the lay of the land to tootle around with. Pictures to come.