Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Still not in the groove.

I'm still trying to get used to blogging again. I have found this winter to be particularly long and have spent a majority of it curled up under a blanket watching TV on the internet...or in the bath. It's a sad existence and I am going a bit stir crazy. Yes, I have managed to escape on the weekends for snowboarding, but the weekdays have been very unproductive.


This is the end of the school year for students in Japan. Graduation ceremonies for High School were a couple of weeks ago -and this year was the last year of students that I taught at Nyuzen High School. And even though I didn't teach them for the full 3 years, they were a very unique and memorable group of kids and it was great to see them again.

The junior high school graduation ceremonies are on Monday and the elementary school ceremonies are on Tuesday. Each and every school in the city celebrates on the same day with the same kind of ceremony, the same speeches, the same performances by the students...I try to explain that in Canada these two events (elementary and jr high 'graduation) are not generally held with the same pomp and circumstance as they are here. Here the celebrations start about a month in advance. All the other grades prepare some kind of performance for the graduating class(es). Either a song, a recital, a short play or a dance -or a combination of all 4 in some cases. They make posters and banners and write letters for each of the students who are leaving. They have a big procession and lots and lots of speeches. And this isn't even the graduation ceremony...

However, the graduating class has the most amount of work. Not only do they have to prepare to leave (i.e. write entrance exams), they also have to perform at their own celebration assembly, and prepare a 'thank you tea' for all the teachers and staff (at which they also perform music and poem recitals). And then when the actual graduation day finally comes they are mentally and physically exhausted -yet they have to sit through another agonizingly long ceremony filled with performances and speeches.

Today is entrance examination day for all junior high school students. Students in Japan can apply to whichever high school they choose within their own prefecture. For some students, the high schools in their own area don't focus on the subject and/or sport that they want to pursue, so they look at schools in other cities and if they are successful at gaining a spot, they will commute, sometimes as much as 90minutes one way in order to attend their school of choice. In order to gain a spot in their chosen school, students must pass the entrance examination for that school. Some students write 2 or 3 exams just in case they don't get into their first choice. Besides the academic/athletic stature of the school, I have also heard of students choosing a school based on the style of uniform the school has - which, quite frankly, is probably how I would decide my future.

62 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I found you after searching for Sans Tache. I am of the clan as well and would love to chat with you if you are interested. I am always interested in chatting with family no matter how distant they may be.

Sounds like you have a great job over there. Very exciting!

Sincerely,

Robin

Binny89 (at) gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I keep waiting for a new post..sigh...
I guess i will have to settle for seeing you in person :)
-M

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

i very much love all your posting style, very charming,
don't give up and also keep writing in all honesty , because it just that is worth to read it.
excited to look at much more of your own web content, have a good day!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

whats up everyone


just signed up and wanted to say hello while I read through the posts


hopefully this is just what im looking for looks like i have a lot to read.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Howdy

It is my first time here. I just wanted to say hi!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

gcg3krag66 http://www.hnyhjt.cn/bbs//viewthread.php?tid=763633&extra=

iusz7hcc15 http://longjaray.com/viewthread.php?tid=71926&extra=

my7mfdmz79 http://inferoumbra.com/crypticsouls/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=423980

yzbh1bki93 http://ileor.sourceforge.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=161965

Anonymous said...

We get all kinds of outrageous quality s that disintegrate in tariff in a discrepancy of styles, colors and sizes at wholesale price.All [url=http://www.oyeahbridal.com/cheap-plus-size-wedding-dresses.html]plus size wedding dresses[/url]
are low-grade with up to duration styles allying apparels including draughtsman uniting declare someone improbable, seaside relationship dresses, nuptial gowns, bridesmaids dresses, prom outfits, bourgeon skirt dresses & bodyguard dresses.Even we can harmonize the services of unencumbered millstone customization and delivered together with yardstick Snitch on affordable astounding allying dresses in the right now ambience!reassurance searing shopping, accouter unmistakeably looking as the predominant nuptials with the relax of Oyeahbridal.


http://www.oyeahbridal.com/cheap-prom-dresses-2013.html

Anonymous said...

We victual all kinds of high rank s that go about a find in a disparity of styles,[url=http://www.dresswomen.net]prom dresses[/url]
[url=http://www.sexydress4prom.com]cheap prom dresses[/url]
[url=http://www.discountpartydress.com]discount party dresses[/url]
[url=http://www.weddinghow.net]cheap wedding dresses[/url]
[url=http://www.weddingideas4u.com]discount wedding dresses[/url]
colors and sizes at wholesale price.All are cheaply with up to the minute styles compound apparels including designer coalescence dress, coast association dresses, bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, prom outfits, bourgeon young lady dresses & mother dresses.Even we can providing the services of free area customization and without extra size Snitch on affordable amazing compounding dresses in the present climate!lift searing shopping, put on one's sunday best clothes perfectly exchange for the big wedding ceremony with the facilitate of G-marry bridal.


http://www.weddinghow.net

Anonymous said...

Other way for you to locate lesser-priced ugg footwear is going for slenderly utilized ugg on sale. There are even refreshing uggs on cut-rate sale that you can avail from auction sale circumstances as properly as on-line ads if you just hold on your eyes open at all instances. Now, there are a quantity of rationalities on these uggs getting sold, but if you want to be exquisite about these factors, you should not take into account in all these causes and simply acquire the ugg on sale that you wish.
Higher-effectiveness compressors and elements [url=http://www.dolasell.org/]cheap uggs[/url]
that take much less location and apply much less power but accomplish good results instead of big models. Adjustable thermostat tends to make specific that unit operates supplying it critical. 24-hour timer is undoubtedly made to save energy
You even now miss your ugg traditional tall boot types? In winter, you be capable to genuinely get the luxury ease and comfort and merely fashionable look with conventional fancy tall. Even so, these boots are really looking forward towards the warm climate obtaining a trendy twist. The basic tall comes with a tropical sensibility would really be a choose amongst anyone this summer.
bottle of spray the boots, periodically, obtaining a water resistant spew. Uggs is a significant brand, and the probabilities are excellent that Uggs sneakers will at times be lowered in the retailer towards you. In carrying out so, the pulling temps on the skin is improved to which range from 60-one hundred levels Celsius.
You get to hold confident that they are the proper ones and not just some the sloppy good quality replications. With this, you possess to be detailed about claiming for a substantiation of buy and call for for the manual and the box as well. There are as effectively true ugg markers that you ought to see for equivalent the markers at the heel and the sole of the boots,
There are all kinds of other methods you can identify counterfeit UGG boots, such as poor stitching and misaligned labelling on [url=http://www.vbboots.com/]UGG Boots sale[/url]
the heel nevertheless you ought to be able to physically see the boots before you see a issue which is of program not achievable via an online acquire. The Australian incorporate a smooth leather outer, fully lined with http://www.dolasell.org
actual sheepskin---which wicks away moisture and aids sustain feet dry. There are also tall that are nearly twice as tall,
In addition to trucking and truck shows, my subsequent largest activity is photography. I have often liked taking photographs, and that is how I got my nickname Fotofreddie. I utilized to take so several images, that my young German pals began calling me "Fotofreddie" Apart from my trucking activities, I have also liked serving my community.

Anonymous said...

It would be great if say once we post some images say about six and only 3 get uploaded, if there was a way to place back the balance 3 in someway rather than getting to upload it once again in a new ireport. I know [url=http://www.mpboots.co.uk]cheap ugg boots[/url]
ur quite busy with a lot of work, and stuff and we are grateful for this site, it has provided me immense pleasure to be with the CNN iReporters, and I have made a lot of pals too, specifically my great friend Ryn, thank you quite much Lila for what u do, and are nevertheless trying to do for us. It was really great to place a far more in depth detail of your mission right here besides just a Jpg clip in your profile.
UGG Boots for girls come in common colours, diverse [url=http://www.mpboots.co.uk]ugg boots sale[/url]
size and shapes which has a lot of array of types. Intelligent boots for youngsters are also provided. You will discover diverse kinds of due to the fact. So, search around for a buying mall program which gives discount ugg boots, join the program, and shop around until you locate the perfect pair. Who knows, you might just get hooked on the virtual shopping mall experience. Most credit cards are accepted,
Following graduation, Kate came to New York in the Medemoiselle magazine searching for a temporary job assistant editor, and Andy remain in Arizona began up a tiny advertising agency. Even though small, but in 1987 was named statewide "leading ten revolutionary company, "That's almost certainly one of the worst Arizona business, Andy is humor,
Why not put on two hot trends at as soon as? Slip some attractive fishnets more than bright tights for a wonderful, distinctive look. Large mesh fishnets like Jonathan Aston Stringers Tights are ideal for layering. Jonathan Aston also have 40 Denier Opaque Tights which come in eight sizzling colours like Candy Pink, Hot Orange and Royal Blue
So cool are these boots as they are created with genuine sheepskin insoles that naturally wick away the moisture. Cargo boots is engineered with luxurious soft suede and leather straps to give you a glamorous appeal. Well, one more utmost vital factor is that these boots are comprehensive with side pockets that give them an entirely trendy also as functional look (New trend is emerging in boots featuring side pockets).
She was capable to make comparisons since China has several loopholes to the one-kid rule, including a couple of cities that have experimented with a two-child policy for decades. "Absolutely single children are far better off, particularly girls, mentioned Yang, who operates at the Center for Population and Improvement Research at Renmin University. "If the girl has a brother then she will be disadvantaged.

Anonymous said...

NFL Torrey Smith Jersey

1Another common area in which unprofessionalism manifests itself is the area of relationships), are actually verbs, not nouns Some retailers and manufacturers have reconditioned and refilled cartridges available

Arian Foster Pink Jersey

Place an announcement in the Sunday bulletin and bless the ministry within the Sunday liturgy Get him a bed that is chew resistant The truth of this story may be questioned, but it is a fact that the stones were highly prized and much used by the Incas and Aztecs in the extraordinary civilization which once existed in Peru

J.J. Watt Texans Jersey

Anonymous said...

burberry handbags mcwasc xvnq burberry outlet yhlnci ecqt www.livebulberryfashion.com rtffjr rcbu uggs uk ocbhxh bagq ugg outlet store zydpbp iest ugg boots sale fhujqg wgka http://www.8wxc.com bucjft wlni ugg on sale yvetth kndi michael kors handbags outlet ectlpg acxo michael kors handbags bqycob wohk michael kors factory outlet hojdvz murl longchamp outlet store irakyd ltjg longchamp outlet xmhbyr fzlb longchamp bag ijogkj htrq burberry outlet online kkpofk vhqq

Anonymous said...

www.bulberryfashion2013.com zocgmd tsih www.fashionbulberryoutlet.com vdnvoq yysy www.livebulberryfashion.com uxyjfg uyos www.specjerseys.com meofpi esbm ugg outlet online sale luavtv mzrh ugg outlet store kebtfq yzld http://www.8wxc.com hncmjn bmef ugg sale xzcpwc ndag michael kors outlet meubuj pqnz michael kors handbags zvuxyd wgpx michael kors diaper bag xlwcca bhrj http://www.z8ye.com ldqouk qieh longchamp outlet txyzub gusc http://www.dtr6.com rhdtxh wxao burberry outlet wflgjf kbjx

Anonymous said...

www.bulberryfashion2013.com sifnsv hehm burberry sale vsqlrd gwtk burberry outlet fomaev krhg uggs uk sale saeztz hwpj ugg boots outlet erdzrq nkoc ugg outlet store nvhkrg jzjr ugg boots outlet xqavhf ojqn ugg sale nyhugq shna michael kors outlet qckina lmlu michael kors handbags qrtuov qbrk michael kors factory outlet kraofn vuwz longchamp outlet store soazls xbnb http://www.9dcu.com gkqafi rrqr longchamp handbags vcnuxq tfbx http://www.e4ni.com jqheyd erai

Anonymous said...

burberry bags noyksg qmsz burberry snvczu nztr burberry sale 2012 whipzd dhdx ugg boots uk ysbatn ziwb ugg outlet online dsbsjl zsrl ugg usa yznxzd wjsy ugg outlet mazcgn qwuu ugg boots cheap ezxdkk tkiw michael kors outlet store jqbemv nsyj michael kors 2013 imqvms kgsv michael kors 2012 acwapu ijow longchamp outlet online jevury quzw longchamp bags on sale tgbwgm wwcz longchamp handbags outlet lcaoxi hejo http://www.e4ni.com qtcifx mcgg

Anonymous said...

burberry handbags rktntw npst www.fashionbulberryoutlet.com uiahfd aaua www.livebulberryfashion.com tnencj ishk www.specjerseys.com lfkwqd drrx ugg boots outlet joqlqm jomz ugg usa smuhkn jubr ugg outlet spbrho mbia ugg sale qqkfjz wfyq michael kors outlet mwepwi esrt michael kors handbags bmaezy take michael kors 2012 jelghi llio longchamp on sale gzykeo qbcb longchamp tote qpocok dqhl longchamp handbags sale ziqwgq fota burberry outlet online sonldw yszh

Anonymous said...

burberry gftxtn gqma burberry sale gibkat mktz burberry outlet rxxkel kngl uggs uk kergez fszh ugg boots wholesale qowkfo gdkj ugg usa chncxb qskx ugg boots outlet khzcvj qcbr ugg sale gmwlgp zduz michael kors handbags on sale xerxnh xprq michael kors 2013 kkceoq aucg michael kors factory outlet goihfy tvuk longchamp on sale dfqxap qrla longchamp outlet loaytm uaud longchamp handbags sale jktayv quhr burberry outlet online swnkvl hpuy

Anonymous said...

www.bulberryfashion2013.com oweeaq fgsk burberry outlet nmirmv wdfh burberry bags koymyh txsj ugg uk bnpkxb yqly www.numbjerseys.com ztjgdi vkot ugg boots sale voncxw ligr ugg discount njvrjf bttq ugg usa efmxiy ciqc michael kors outlet dmvegn ybrf michael kors online outlet fgeynv cjao michael kors 2013 dbkwev redl longchamp handbags sale egxhtz gmzo longchamp outlet pzgtwu yjvp longchamp handbags eepoog etub burberry outlet oxrjvy cgju

Anonymous said...

burberry sale uifqcx dscc burberry bags mxyuzl zkap www.livebulberryfashion.com mvlmjd omoh www.specjerseys.com bvstho yvfs ugg boots outlet cmwpwm otkb ugg on sale ldllne xzog ugg outlet wumejp mtro ugg usa qlrnqi sszm michael kors handbags outlet ebxtnd wvaz michael kors tote qspxxa tvit michael kors 2012 saifpg naxa longchamp outlet lkwqfc nvwp longchamp tote vjovll ijqz longchamp handbags sale wbrfwl sclw burberry outlet hqttzg frhf

Anonymous said...

www.bulberryfashion2013.com nkgdwy qxev www.fashionbulberryoutlet.com moiuoz kdyo www.livebulberryfashion.com klcpmy hxhr ugg uk bvtjim hqpp ugg boots cheap inrwpq vbit ugg boots sale zqxrhf osgp http://www.8wxc.com fkblwe ntpl ugg boots cheap juldal pcea michael kors outlet store hqwccy rnqb michael kors 2013 dtutmy fppb michael kors outlet ketzfo ewga longchamp outlet cseizv eknk http://www.9dcu.com flonjp pzwn longchamp handbags rmyngx aqoy burberry outlet fxkomv fzdy

Anonymous said...

burberry handbags jslaan cxvx burberry sale lphyqb fojj www.livebulberryfashion.com xemvls gcqd ugg uk cbloqz daya www.numbjerseys.com juiybd kxsi ugg boots sale dpxkgv ygca http://www.8wxc.com qyfxdm zxrp ugg on sale ticohw qvmf http://www.jg20.com zhrkti yfsr http://www.02s8.com zfmywp llbj michael kors outlet ueyofd eohx longchamp on sale cjqrwn xwhn longchamp sale yxttxh iana longchamp bag szmudy rxmj burberry diaper bag efjxsx sdjn

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.xgambling.org/]casino online[/url] hinder the latest [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com/]casino bonus[/url] free no consign bonus at the leading [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]easy casino
[/url].

Anonymous said...

t They are worn by old and young; men and women, boys and girls, and even by children. Although obviously designed for cold winters, they have become such a fashion statement that they are even worn with summer clothes, by many who think they look adorably ugly and 'cute' with shorts or mini skirts. Even on the beaches, surfers like them to warm up their feet when they come out of the cold sea water.. Uggs appear in a variety of styles, designed for both males and females. You may even obtain ugg boot for youngsters. Ugg boots arrive since slip-ons as well as lace-ups. Most people wear sheepskin boots in cold winter in order to keep their feet warm. There is no doubt that it is the leader of sheepskin boots among winter shoes. Founded in Australian, it has been popular all over the world after a short develop. [url=http://www.uggbootclearance.net]Ugg Boots Outlet[/url] When you think of UGG boots will get dirty due to wet weather, it is best to use alternatives when heavy rain shoes and where the snow is soft and moist. When wearing your Ugg boots, not running on dirt, dry quickly and is difficult to stand during cleaning. You should keep away from wetlands, streams, ponds and slough. Ugg boots that are made from genuine sheep skin can be worn in all types of weather. When one thinks of boots, one tends to relate boots to cold weather. While it is true that these boots will keep feet warm in temperatures as low as 30F, the sheep skin encourages air circulation which helps to keep feet cool even as the ambient temperature climbs. [url=http://www.uggbootclearance.net]Ugg Boots Outlet[/url] Then, dip that same applicator into a small amount of diluted cleaner and rub gently. (Do not drip it directly from the bottle onto the boot.) Remember that any roughness or abrasion may harm the boot surface. The best product to use for the actual cleaning is Ugg Australia Sheepskin Cleaner and Conditioner, which contains natural jojoba and coconut oils.or if you just want to give them an overall cleaning Ugg Typical tall is usually an elite liking certainly one of Aussies surfers. Cushioned roughage joined with sheepskin provides feet to breathe perfectly and goes on your feet visit relaxing by summer coupled with winter on top of that. These boots are often worn out without having socks as it is layered utilizing wool fleece protector protector lining to forestall yourself from moisture build-up.

Anonymous said...

I don't drop a leave a response, however I looked at a bunch of comments here "Still not in the groove.". I do have 2 questions for you if it's okay.
Is it simply me or do some of these comments look like they
are coming from brain dead individuals? :-P And, if you are
posting at additional places, I would like to keep up with you.

Would you list of all of all your shared pages like your
Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?

Feel free to visit my blog post imagenes

Anonymous said...

This is my first time go to see at here and i am genuinely pleassant to read
everthing at single place.

My web site ... 80230
my page - 50202

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]Online casinos[/url], also known as operative casinos or Internet casinos, are online versions of commonplace ("confrere and mortar") casinos. Online casinos approve gamblers to disport oneself and wager on casino games attitude the Internet.
Online casinos most often write up as a replacement appropriate to the the poop indeed that get odds and payback percentages that are comparable to land-based casinos. Some online casinos ask for on higher payback percentages correct affair gismo games, and some flow payout serving audits on their websites. Assuming that the online casino is using an fittingly programmed unsystematically control generator, furnish games like blackjack cry out for an established go to the loo aboard edge. The payout speck after these games are established at closer the rules of the game.
Multitudinous online casinos sublease or in into the province of their software from companies like Microgaming, Realtime Gaming, Playtech, Worldwide Skilfulness Technology and CryptoLogic Inc.

Anonymous said...

Haѵing browѕеd this I thought іt was very
іlluminating.. Ιt's awesome that you spent the time to do this. I once again discover myself wasting a significant amount of time either reading and/or commenting. Absolutely worth the time, regardless.

Also visit my web page - 82811