Late Winter 2006

English Presentation Contest: Toyama Castle; This isn't one of my kids, but he was really funny to watch. He took 3rd.; Finn acts moderaterately.; My girl Miku took 2nd for recitation!; Chiharu got 3rd for original speech!; Shoko and Yuki…; …did their best, and I'm very proud of them anyway!; The boys' research was honorably mentioned!; You know, I put my pants on one leg at a time, like every one else.; But once my pants are on, my kids win English contests!

Life: A-be'snow'd; Chiara's Birthday at the 'American' diner; Debate.; Old snow is so gross.

Fukuoka Graduation Ceremony: The school song is fun.; If I'm not going to take a wreath, why am I wasting his time?; Yuko's a good student.; I taught with Nakamura-sensei.; Yuri and crew.; She always used to study in the hall, even during summer break.; Ex-exchange student Miguel came back from Germany for the week.; Ryoko does a pretty good Helen Keller.; Everyone loves Azuma-sensei.; Manami wrote the weirdest papers. I liked them.; All the speeches that day talked about how even though it had been turning to spring, the snow came today to symbolically purify the graduates.

Osaka BBQ: Cook out with the hibachi. Or to use the Japanese term, "grill."; Handsome dudes!; Would you trust your meat with these men?; Clammy.

Students depart for England: When I went to Europe, I remember seeing all the Japanese tourists there; it feels odd now that I'm on the other side of the world sending them off.; They dress so Japanese!; But everyone waves the same way.

Deaf School Graduation: Winter isn't over until it wants to be.; Presentation of Diploma; This student "graduated" Middle School, but she's developmentally disabled, so they came down to her to present the diploma.; Farewell messages from underclassmen.; Response from the graduates.

Emma's relatives come to school: Japanese junk food.; He likes Emma's boyfriend Angelo's hair.; Emma's folks.; The new English course students for next school year.