No, my computer is not back up. I am still using Amy's. She doesn't have an internet connection at home so she doesn't use it there, so what the hell? But because I have this computer here I am taking my time (read: being lazy) about calling up Gateway and getting my problems solved. Have a free weekend this one so will try to do it then.

Anyway, all is still going well. Schools are moving along and my many of my classes (the new ones) are getting better. I still think that two years here will be enough for me but I don't feel as negative about it all as I did a couple weeks ago. All jobs settle in that familiar routine and that is when you really start to notice the little things you don't like. Such is and was the case with me. But that is just how it goes from time to time. I do think that seven schools is a little excessive, but this is the hand I've been dealt and I will get through. If I could limit my schools to the three or four I like best I think I'd be a bit happier with the job, but I understand that seven is my number (be it lucky or not) and I will do what is expected of me.
Understand, though, that this job is still a good one as far as I am concerned. It could just be better in my opinion and I could be more wisely used if a few things were changed. Also understand that life over here is still fun and going well. I miss a few things but I will be back in my own country soon enough.
Ok, enough ranting.

I have two stories/essays that I am working on, slowly working on, for this thing and will try to get them up soon. "Soon" as in relative to a Sequoia tree's life.

I ordered tickets for the Japanese Grand Prix (Formula 1) a couple days ago and made reservations for a hotel this morning. That will be an expensive weekend but I will only get to do it once. Those of you who know me well know that I absolutely love F1 and to miss it while here would be a shame. The race is over outside a town called Suzuka and the track is one of the best on the entire F1 circuit. I tried to get a room in Suzuka but, and as I figured they would be, they were all booked up. Then I tried to get one in a town outside of Suzuka and the guy wrote me back telling me that all rooms were already reserved by the F1 teams and race sponsors. Then he told me that he could get me a room in Nagoya (a large city) and that those rooms were going fast too. So I had him get me a room, telling him that I would be carless and would need one close to a train station. So this morning I got the email telling me that my reservation was made and that it was right across the street from the big Nagoya train station. So it all worked out at this late date. The race is not until October but I learned in Monterey--because of the Laguna Seca raceway--that rooms for races usually get booked the year before. So I feel quite lucky to only be about an hour or so away from the track. Anyway, this will be my second F1 race and I will be giddy by about September.

My brother's wedding is getting closer and I need to come up with one of those "bestman" speeches. A few years ago I would have been dreading it as I did not like to talk in front of that many people, but now....it ain't that big a deal. Of course, unlike here, most of the people there will understand what I am saying. I am not sure what to say as I have only been to...oh...about 3 or 4 weddings in my entire life. What does a bestman say? If you know, you can email me with your knowledge.

Ok, not really much to say at this point. Just wanted to let you know that your man in Japan is still alive and speaking slow English.

Speaking of which, here's a short conversation I had yesterday with a 2nd year junior high school student where I was trying to explain a game I play called "Row and Column."
Me--"Ok, a row goes this way and a column goes this way."
Student is not paying attention.
Me--"Hey, are you listening? What's a row?"
Student--"Yes" (with a big smile on his face)
Me--"No, no. What's a row?" (said more slowly)
Student--"Yes!" (smile still there)
Me--"No, no. Ok a row is this way and a column is this way. Now, what's a row?"
Student--"OK!"
At times it really does seem hopeless.