Gran Torino

So glad I finally saw this movie, and so surprised I haven't heard more about it. Hands down the best movie I've seen in a long time, and a message that rivals any I've heard in any church in a long time.  I'd love to say more about this movie but then I would give away the whole plot.

In the News

The last few days the main news has been about a SMAP member Kusanagi Tsuyoshi. There are a couple of things that have surprised me about this whole affair. First it has been like the main news everywhere.  You think they could find something more relevant to talk about. Second was a small surprise. He was found naked and drunk in a park in a very nice area of town in the middle of the night.  Ok strange, but I'm sort of not surprised at that, I mean I have heard stories of friends here who have gotten drunk and wound up in weird situations. Like sleeping in the hall way outside their room door. The thing that surprised me was that after Kusanagi was arrested, his home was searched.  What is that all about.  I'm sure that if it was anyone else that this would have not happened.  Weren't the police going a little far.  Seems like they were looking for drugs.  I didn't realize the police had such leeway here. The last thing that caught my attention was that he had a press conference to apologize for his actions, but come on it was like 30 minutes long and I think they should the whole thing on the news this morning.  And the questions they asked afterwards were a little stupid.  Like, "When do you feel like drinking?".  This one he actually stumbled on.  There was a long pause before he answered and the cameras started flashing away, probably looking for any sign of remorse.  Again I want to say I think there is much more newsworthy news out there, lets see that.

A Stroll in the Neighborhood

Thought I was going to have a long day, but as it turned out it wasn't that long of a day so I got to actually get out for just a little bit and get some pictures of the signs of spring that I have been seeing in my neighborhood.  The carp nobly flying indicating the number of son's this family has. Said to say that in the big city there are few places left for these giant streamers.

I love these flowers, I have knew idea what they are but they grow lovely on walls.

The people at this house invited me to come into the driveway and get a petter picture.  I think they were very happy that I was so interested in taking a picture of the wisteria that was in full bloom.

Some more of the funky flowers that grow all along the walls on this tiny street.

Even though this shot was from the street and I took it before I got the shot from the courtyard of the house, I think it came out really nice.  I like that you can see the branches and the support system.

Lazy Monday

This year I think Mondays are going to be my favorite day of the week. I have class 1st and 2nd perioe than I have the rest of the day free. Today a had an emergency mtg. 3rd period but even with that I have so much time to get things done, or just to take a break and relax. Yeah!

Manners

So I catch the train for church and this guy is sitting taking up 2 seats with his bag occupying the seat next to him. Luckily the seat across the aisle was empty so I took that one. Another guy came down the aisle also looking for an open seat. At first he walked by, but in about 30 seconds he came back picked up the guys bag put on his lap, it took 2 attempts, and proceed to sit down. The guy barely stirred, and only attempted to slightly adjust his bag. What has Japan come to? Japanese are usually extremly proud of their politeness but this guy obviously missed out on that lesson.

Cos Play?

This week started off with a drum performance in Kamata. Ok the picture below doesn't look like it has anything to do with a drum performance, but it is the party afterwards.  I sort of wish I hadn't hung around all day for this but that is part of what belonging to a group in Japan is all about. Anyway, they found all these strechy head stockings and we transformed ourselves into the Nagi rangers.  I really don't know if there was a point or not but for what ever reason our group feels like we have to be the mood makers at any event that we are at. I think there may be some closet cos play people in the group.

The group sporting our new t-shirts and accessories.

The red skirt obi thing is reversible with material from old kimonos lining the back.

Navitime

I think it was Rachelle that first said that I look like this guy, and I thought there is no way. Now my J3 students have started saying, "Hi, Navitime!", when they see me. Well I guess I will make the most out of it.  I need to find this guys costume and start leading people around Tokyo.  I'm sure I could pick up some extra money.

Lonely

We stopped in the park to take some pictures and I turned around to see this grown man sitting on this playground rocking dog, and I thought oh oh better watch out for the weird guy, then as he rocked back I just barely glimpsed the head of his daughter sitting in front of him. It was actually pretty amusing.

Sakura

Went with Jabby and Abby's mom to  Aen for lunch, this is the park right outside of the restaurant, unfortunately we didn't have a window view but the food was wonderful anyway.

Peace

Back to work and so not ready to be, instead I would love to be someplace like this.

This was sent to me by a fellow teacher that went here, Yakushima, during spring break.
My spring break came and went very quickly. There was the quick trip to Minakami, but I came back really tired probably because I was the driver .

Also during the break I thought I would stop in to the Ear Nose and Throat Dr. and have him check my ears again. He said he noticed a further drop in my hearing and suggest an MRI which I had on Wed. I should know the results either by tomorrow or Monday. But seeing as I didn't have to have any of the accompaning medication that helps locate tumors, I think there will be know problems.