Here are my excuses:
- I've been re-reading The Wheel of Time series.
- One of our teachers was absent for two weeks due to a stomach virus, and I've been exhausted from teaching extra lessons.
- I've been worrying about classes next year.
But really what it comes down to is that I feel my life is boring now. When I first came to Japan, I wrote this blog almost a couple times a week. I took pictures of all the strange and interesting things I was seeing and eating.
Well, I've been in Japan for four years now, and have just started the 5th. I've been dating Michi for a little more than three, and we've been living together for almost two years. My job, although it can be emotionally, mentally, and physically trying, is mostly fulfilling. Michi is probably the best thing that has happened to me and I don't regret coming to Japan.
But what exciting adventures have we been having recently? Not really any. At school, the other teachers and myself worry about organizing classes, and motivating students, about preparing materials and getting results. At home, Michi and I cook, clean, argue, make up, and watch movies. Yes, I have my kendo classes on Sundays, but I decided that one of my goals for 2013 would be to climb a 5.11c. However, we have gone rock climbing one time so far and 2013 is already one quarter finished.
I wanted to ask the principal for a raise, as I have a certificate for curriculum design now, but the Yen is very strong right now, which is always bad for the Japanese economy, and the government has decided to increase the sales tax (which is necessary, but will force the middle class to cut luxuries, or things perceived as luxuries, such as expensive English lessons), and the number of our students will be decreasing pretty dramatically next year. The principal has actually been debating firing a teacher, though who or whether she actually will is unknown. So, I haven't asked because I don't think I have any chance of receiving it.
Today is a national holiday, and we had planned on going on a short hike, but cancelled because the weather didn't look ideal. We went to see Cloud Atlas instead, which was an amazing movie, but I feel like in the past we would have taken the chance and gone hiking anyway.
Hopefully, 2013 can be salvaged.
Cheers,
