It's Still November?

Holy cow...this month is flying by just like the last two! It's crazy to think that I have been living in Japan for just over two months! It feels like yesterday that I walked into my apartment for the first time. A lot has happened so far, and I can't wait for it to keep coming! Most recently, my work schedule changed from working 8am-3pm to working from 9am-12noon and 4-630pm. I really enjoy having a break in the middle of my day to relax, take a nap, and catch up with friends. But, since Tuesday I have been subbing in a K4 (4-year-old kindergarten) class because one of the teachers has Type A flu...yes, the dreaded H1N1 or SWINE FLU. It has been a challenge for me to leave my apartment by 730am everyday to make it to work on time, since I have to drive for about 15 minutes to get to the other campus. But it has paid off, and I am loving "long-term" subbing! It has really given me insight as to what I will be doing next year and however many years thereafter if I choose to stay! I have gotten to practice Christmas carols and a dance that the kids will perform at their Christmas party later in December, as well as the regular songs, stories, and poems we practice everyday. Sometimes it doesn't even phase me that these kids aren't fluent in English...they understand so well! Of course, other times it is more apparent that they aren't fluent because they say things like, "Ms. Hope, Wandy (supposed to be Randy) push and Tina crying." Or, "Ms. Hope, bus card home no pick up today where?" Try to figure that one out!! It took me a while, but I finally understood what she was trying to say. Also, tomorrow is Thanksgiving Feast! I mean, we'll eat curry and rice instead of turkey and dressing, but the kids will wear their turkey headbands and we'll talk about being thankful. Unfortunately, since the flu outbreak has really hit hard at MeySen, the kids will all just have to eat in the classrooms instead of eating all together like usual.
In other news, I got two bunnies (Jovie and Regina) a couple of weeks ago! I had always wanted one when I was a kid, and so I thought it would be super cool to get them! Little did I know that bunnies smell so bad. And poop so much. And eat so much. Since I got them from the school, I was going to give them back when they are big anyway, and I had thought about getting more babies. But after this run, I think I'd like to have my apartment smell like something other than a petting zoo. Maybe I could get a pet rock next or something. They don't smell bad or poop and I don't even have to feed it, so that's looking like a win-win situation. Don't get me wrong, those bunnies are CUTE, but they are smelly! Here's a link to their album on facebook: (copy and paste into your URL) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2018946&id=1534140031&l=8ad3adce17
In even MORE news, the Christmas holidays are coming up in about a month! WOOOOO! I am so blessed to have people visiting me over the holidays since I won't be going home! My brother and our friend are coming sometime in December, and two of my other friends are coming in January! I am SOOO excited!! I have started thinking of things to do here, and I realized that I haven't really been sight-seeing in my own town! But it will be a lot of fun to have friends and family here. I am excited about the possibility of going to Tokyo Disney and skiing! I really hope both of those things get to happen!

Well, it's almost dinner time and then off to play volleyball! I'd love to have more visitors and/or mail :)