tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-179636672011-08-01T13:29:28.431+09:00serendennoreply@blogger.comBlogger341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-14348860841527133562007-11-12T10:24:00.000+09:002007-11-12T10:25:08.092+09:00

Well, for those of you who don't know, we are packing up and moving on. Japan has been both a trial and a pleasure (depending on what day it was and who you asked!).The JET Programme has a systemic problem that only major restructuring and re-evaluation of methods and goals in "internationalization" could possibly fix.On the other hand, workers on NOVA have proven, in our eyes anyway, that true

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-7207649673318593972007-10-02T07:23:00.000+09:002007-10-02T07:31:34.024+09:00

Autumn is in the air, and the cooling trend is refreshing. No more sticky nights or ear-piercing cicadas!After a short lapse, I have become pro-active once again. We are both heading to the gym twice a week now, and the rewards are immense. For the first time, I actually enjoy going to the gym and jogging - amazing. I feel 100% better immediately afterwards, and by the next day, am antsy to go

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-58592406261034922592007-09-12T09:26:00.000+09:002007-09-12T09:40:19.188+09:00

September 12th and I can't believe I'm married to the love of my life and living in southern Japan!Well, that's not what I was saying a year ago, or even 6 months ago, but this autumn, I'm starting off anew. Our trip to California was a rejuvenating experience, and my roots are so much clearer to me now.While I am proud to be a Californian, I am also so very grateful for the experiences I am

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-48071064511906059502007-08-01T13:58:00.000+09:002007-08-01T14:22:14.186+09:00

Here I am, sitting in this rice paddy town, waiting for my vacation to come. Hurry up, magical date!!In the meantime, the weather is getting hotter and more humid everyday, and things are quieter since school is out for the month. The Japanese school system typically takes time off from classes from the last week in July to the end of August... but that doesn't mean the schools are empty, and

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-82468930693367517402007-07-22T14:28:00.001+09:002007-07-25T20:56:27.920+09:00

I've created a set on Flickr to collect my photos of food here in Japan! To see it, just click here!

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-49784616842231855162007-07-21T10:05:00.000+09:002007-07-21T10:53:09.618+09:00

Tell me, what's the difference between what's ok on public transportation in Japan versus the U.S.A.? Says something about cultural differences, does it not?I have uploaded a few photos of my favorite train station signs onto my flickr website, so if you'd like to see them, click here. Then just click on the thumbnails on the right for more photos!Here's the most recent sign:

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-54803349729883153942007-07-20T21:51:00.000+09:002007-07-20T21:55:04.778+09:00

This past week I had the fabulous opportunity to individually interview every 13-14 year old at the junior high school here. What a great way to spend my time – quizzing Japanese students about their hobbies, their favorite subjects in school, and what their plans are for the coming summer vacation!As I sat in a chair, waiting for my next victim to come out into the hall for their “speaking test”

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-78406316107227520122007-05-25T17:57:00.001+09:002007-05-25T18:53:19.315+09:00

It's 6pm on a bright spring evening here in this little Japanese countryside town.There are two men driving around my neighborhood in a white van with red Japanese characters on it and 4 megaphones hooked to its top. The megaphones are blaring long announcements by a man, then a woman, and then repeated again. I can only understand the words "American" and "Japan", "June 21st" and "Fukuoka"

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-90903613519436659072007-05-10T20:45:00.000+09:002007-05-10T21:17:20.649+09:00

Lunch time here is a time of reflection for me now.Among 15 or so Japanese adults, I sit. I sit, and I watch.The Japanese language continues to remain a mystery to me most of the time. Not only do the words rarely register with meaning in my mind, but the way in which they are spoken continues to make my eyebrows furrow. Spoken slowly and without dialect, I might manage. Local dialects

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-69267786434323406742007-04-25T18:17:00.000+09:002007-04-30T16:50:32.569+09:00

Well, I've decided to change my layout around so I can include more links, photos, videos, etc. and it'll be easier to share all the things I'm doing lately!Hope you enjoy the layout - I think it's a little brighter, anyway.

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-20220391844380506662007-04-20T07:16:00.000+09:002007-04-20T07:38:16.602+09:00

Wow, February 15 was my last post. Shame on me. I haven't been able to sit down and write lately - too many things going on, and it's hard to focus much on any one of them.Well, in my own new little world of Foreigner Me, there are observations on society, people, and relationships everyday. Maybe others who live in countries other than the one they were born in experience similar things. Do they

serendennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-9735677978126525872007-02-16T16:35:00.000+09:002007-04-30T16:52:02.679+09:00

As I was getting ready to leave the house this morning, I decided that today would be a brand new day at the particular elementary school I was about to visit. I have dreaded this school in the past. It takes me 30 minutes to get there if I ride my bike fast, partly on narrow, busy roads. The head teachers there are less than enthusiastic about English. Some of them almost ignore me during their

serendennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-2850321403116906322007-02-09T13:35:00.000+09:002007-02-09T13:54:07.428+09:00

After some pondering, I've decided that I will include some misgivings on this site, since they are in fact a part of the whole experience here, along with the incredibly positive stuff that goes on. So, without further ado..... 1. The Un-informed.After 5 months of visits to a particular elementary school, and consequent 20-min. visits to the neighboring kindergarten at the end of the day (around

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-63241097633195041752007-02-07T16:42:00.000+09:002007-02-07T18:17:48.684+09:00

Today was a fulfilling day at the junior high school. I joked around with the staff at lunch about "drawing the line" at natto. I just haven't brought myself to try it yet. (It's fermented soybeans mixed with a sticky sauce. It smells exactly like old gym shoes.)I spent most of the day preparing flashcards and activities for both elementary school visits and an upcoming English Jeopardy game at

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-57189935827285703722007-02-02T19:00:00.000+09:002007-02-02T19:37:49.158+09:00

I have been working at a Japanese junior high school now for 5 months. I have consistently experienced an entire gamut of emotions, ranging from confusion, alienation, frustration, and complete ignorance, to a more recent trend of active curiosity, admiration, fascination, and even a sense of camaraderie with the students - particularly the 2nd grade (U.S. 8th grade) girls. This shift has many

serendennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-66282531209085167082007-01-28T09:49:00.000+09:002007-02-07T18:18:17.334+09:00

Twice now, I have craved a warm, delicious bowl of ramen noodles so famous in this area, while walking through downtown Fukuoka City. Twice now, I have opted for the less personal experience of a sushi bar, and walked away full, but still eyeing the ramen stalls. What keeps me at a distance? Hesitation #1: The tight quarters in which the patrons sit with one another. Maybe it's my California

Serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-21898733681528478102007-01-12T20:57:00.000+09:002007-04-30T16:52:22.846+09:00

Just for you - a sample of the 30-odd sock puppets on display and made by the kids at Hongo Elementary!

Serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-86764983984857945772007-01-12T17:02:00.000+09:002007-01-12T21:13:41.510+09:00

In between classes at the small-town elementary schools I visit every Friday, I jot down my thoughts as my mind reels from excitement, fatigue, confusion, and usually, joy.Today I visited a school and took part and helped conduct activities in three grade levels. One particular third grade classroom is especially difficult to maintain, and that goes for their homeroom teacher as well. With about

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-20862370411319175842006-12-24T17:01:00.000+09:002006-12-26T17:37:59.706+09:00

As lunch time ended, and the children washed their empty milk cartons and put away the trays and dishes, three 7-year-old girls took my hands and merrily skipped me along upstairs to the elementary school's library.In the warm sun that came through the windows, I sat on large cushions while the girls selected some picture books from the shelves. One after another, they took turns reading the

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1164889313179034522006-11-30T21:08:00.000+09:002006-11-30T21:30:02.833+09:00

Maybe it's because I'm in a rural town. Maybe it's because I don't speak the local language. Maybe it's because I like to be alone, but the isolation I feel here is stifling at times, at at other times, maybe, just maybe, slightly liberating. Sitting on the train yesterday, early in the morning, I looked around me while listening to music on my headphones. At that time, I thought about how

serendennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1164355863474401682006-11-24T16:47:00.000+09:002006-11-24T17:11:03.496+09:00

Well, I just survived the stage. I was asked a few weeks ago if I would read a poem in English at the Town Center. Of course, I said yes, and that was that. Then a few days ago, I was asked to come to a rehearsal on the day before the...play. Yes, it was a play I would be in. I went to the rehearsal yesterday, and realized I would be alone, on stage, reading a poem in a large spotlight, with

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1163148477441056122006-11-10T17:11:00.000+09:002006-11-10T17:47:57.466+09:00

Living as a foreigner in Japan is a strange thing. Everyday, sometimes every hour, my sense of self and place changes drastically from feeling like a complete foreigner, to being completely at home. I mean, I'm still on EARTH, right? So I'm in another country. Big deal, I think. People are mostly the same everywhere. We all get hungry and enjoy eating (well, if we can). We all have our moods,

serendennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1158912401225690122006-09-22T16:56:00.000+09:002006-09-22T17:06:41.236+09:00

My visit to Ozeki Elementary School this afternoon was enlightening. Amidst the chaos and craze, I came across a quite hallway during lunch period recess.Two boys, who I believe were 5th graders, sat on tatami mats, playing a board game called "Shogi". They sat quietly, immersed in their game. The wooden board had small matching playing pieces, each with a set of kanji. Their composure was so

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1158459038757792082006-09-17T11:08:00.000+09:002006-09-17T11:10:38.773+09:00

I just feel like showing off the little fishies that still get a double-take from me. These ones are fancily mixed with almond slivers. All I can see is their little eyes, dried in their heads, staring at me. Will says they're fishy-tasting. Go figure.

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1157363593841597512006-09-04T18:39:00.000+09:002006-09-04T18:54:14.406+09:00

Well.I have successfully completed my first day of introductions at the junior high school here in Fukuoka-ken. From what I could tell, the students were smiling as much and as big as I was!I introduced myself to 2 1st grade jr. high school classes (that's 7th grade to us Americans). I even took up the whole class times, and they were gleeful even at the end.Ah, the high of success. I just hope

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1157254604382043792006-09-03T12:25:00.000+09:002006-09-03T13:25:58.266+09:00

Well, I successfully completed my first day of introduction at one of the local elementary schools here. I gave a short introduction of myself and California to a class each of grades 1-6. The 1st graders I thought would almost faint as I walked into the classroom, and the 6th graders I thought would fall asleep sitting up! So, I have to learn to vary my performances based on the grade,

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1156852331688137132006-08-29T20:46:00.000+09:002006-08-29T20:52:11.690+09:00

Hi all!Well, I haven't posted in a really long time, but I've been busy, so that's that!Living in the rice paddies now, I am coming to appreciate the simplicities of living in one's own culture more and more everyday. Here, there's no more "Hi, how's it going?", or "What'cha got there?"... well, not in English anyway.Will and I spent the last 2 days inside the house, in our own little American

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1130876410654479822005-11-02T04:51:00.000+09:002007-02-07T18:19:19.114+09:00

Photos from Will's scuba diving excursion - I played Documentary-er! Oh, how early in the morning they had to get up... Beautiful lighting that time of morning...Getting ready... I think with a simultaneous breakfast.The gear is ON! The look = "this is some heavy *&#*!"And off they go!!!Always some chaos getting into the water...Some needed a little help! (That's not Will, I assure you!) Out

serendennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1130874689858862232005-11-02T04:43:00.000+09:002007-02-07T18:19:44.930+09:00

Here's some photos from our weekend in the Redwoods this summer.This boat doesn't look too happy :(Me, trekking through the forest, tripod in hand. And, the lovely Redwoods...

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1130429682301840342005-10-28T00:49:00.000+09:002007-02-07T18:20:08.922+09:00

We hiked up Lassen Peak last weekend, with beautiful views and weather. Here's a few photos from on the way up... At the peak of Lassen------------------------------------------------------------- Mt. Shasta from the top of Lassen.---------------------- Looking down on the valley below.------------------------------------------------------------- Looking down from the top.

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1129578090439376292005-10-18T04:23:00.000+09:002007-02-07T18:20:23.076+09:00

Here's me and the Lone Cypress near Pebble Beach last weekend... And here's me and my...fiancee!..and the Lone Cypress tree near Pebble Beach.

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-1129578316941568442005-10-17T04:44:00.000+09:002006-05-30T13:11:49.860+09:00

Well, here's a new way to update those who are interested in what's going on with me! So many changes taking place, we all gotta keep track! Hope this is entertaining, and we'll see how it goes!

serendennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-36912029468296009352005-01-25T19:30:00.000+09:002007-04-26T17:56:27.597+09:00

serendennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17963667.post-28089382365493236032005-01-25T16:48:00.000+09:002007-04-30T16:51:17.623+09:00

Please leave a comment below if you would like to contact Serenden...

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