Cold cold cold cold. November's brought some below freezing weather already. The school has no heating. The windows are left open much of the time. Emphasis is placed on resiliance and endurance, and no one complains. It's motivating, but at the same time nuts. I'm cold all the time, except when I'm near a heater. Anyone have have any insights on that Tibetan meditative practice of developing inner heat? ;) (actually, I'm okay)
I've been using the school computers since August to post blogs. I'd love to snazz up this blog some and also post more pictures. It's just that all the blogger controls are in Japanese... it seems that the broadband providers I've been speaking with can't locate my phone line at home, they've called me a couple of times, but I always have to have someone who speaks better than I can to call them back. Maybe I'll be able to post pictures again by Christmastime. But thanks for staying tuned regularly or periodically as the case may be.
I called my family this morning at 7:30am to be with them in spirit for Thanksgiving dinner. Cultural things are starting to take on a strange new meaning to me. I can't explain now because I'm too cold, but suffice to say it's interesting to be in a place where Thanksgiving goes largely uncelebrated.
A different kind of thanks comes to mind this year. My goal in Japan has been to become more giving. I never imagined I could become more giving by receiving kindness from others. So I feel thankful for the kindness the Japanese people I've met have shown me this year, and how I've been pushed to become more resilient and persistent. Lastly, I'm thankful when my family and friends support me and when they also allow me to support them. Those are wonderful things.
I tell of my day-to-day experiences in a funky Japanese town from my American viewpoint. This blog could also be called 'Bizarro World', 'Notes From Kyushu, a Smaller Island', or 'Teaching English in Japan: Smash Your Ego in 10 Easy Lessons."
Friday, November 25, 2005
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3 comments:
Thanks for the editorial comments.
I do my best, but I'll always make some mistakes. It's good to be gently corrected. In time, I can adjust my understanding to be 'more' correct.
Julie, did you finally stop trying to use the heater in your car? or are you still fighting the never-ending battle?? jay :)
I`m using the heater much less than last year, so far. I think it must be dirty or something because it makes me cough.
I've been using a heater in my bedroom, but that also made me cough. Hiro lent me an air filter, and everything seems to be fine now.
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