First post in a long time

Sorry it's been so long since I've made a post. I was very busy last week, and then yesterday I went to Tokyo for training, so I've had good reasons/excuses. :P

I would say I'm living a pretty nice routine now. Teaching is slowly becoming easier; although the more I teach, the more I recognize my own shortcomings. I'm sure that's how most teachers feel, though. The students are so great. Maybe American junior high kids are spoiled and rotten, but not Japanese ones. Of course, they have some of their own quirks, but class management has never really been an issue (aside from some of the 3rd graders who sleep the whole class!).

My apartment is nearly perfect. I figured out how to change the air conditioner from heating to cooling, since I don't think we'll be having any more cold weather. It definitely feels like someone flipped a switch from winter to spring, because a couple weeks ago, it was still really cold. Now as I'm typing this I'm too warm! I bought a small fan today since it's only going to keep getting warmer.

I guess there's not much else to say... Life is moving along. Nothing exciting on the calendar for May. On the 23rd I'm going to be watching a class of one of my fellow teachers at the other junior high in my town, but that's about as exciting as it gets. :) I'm hoping to get out to the surrounding towns more often. And of course Matsumoto (the closest big city)! I think that's where I want to go next weekend. Maybe I can convince some of the other newbie teachers to go with me and go in the castle. :) Well then, until next time, I'll leave you with these pictures!

My tatami room that I use as a bedroom

My living/dining/kitchen/study/etc.

Mt. Fuji & the turtle ferry :)

My town is famous for it's rowing teams!

The Japan Alps from the train on the way to Tokyo

Mt. Fuji from the train on the way to Tokyo