An American Still in Tokyo-The Second Year

I just want to thank those who sent me an email these past few days. It makes me so glad that people are thinking about me back home. I just want to let you know that I am thinking about you guys too! Unfortunately, these next few days are going to be VERY busy so if I take a while in writing back, please bear with me. In fact, I may not write back until after Christmas so if I don`t write back before then, MERRY CHRISTMAS! As for going home...I know that for a while I wasn`t sure about whether I was going to come back during the long winter break or not, but now I am almost certain that I will be going home sometime in February. Speaking of going home, tomorrow, Brian leaves for the US to attend his friend`s wedding, so we are getting together tonight for a sort-of "goodbye" get-together. He is allowing us to request something from the US. Of all the things he could get for me in the US, I am asking him for two things: V05 Shampoo and Secret Deodorant. Ok, so perhaps I could get by without the V05 Shampoo since there is plenty of shampoo here in Japan....but the Secret Deodorant I would really like, because here in Japan....there is NO SUCH thing as deodorant! I`m serious! Ok....I`m half serious. Actually, there is no such thing as anti-perspirant. Apparently, Japanese people`s sweat and/or body odor is not as bad as caucasians (and probably other races too). So the "deodorant" they have here in Japan is pretty paltry in comparison to the stuff they sell in the US.

Starting Thursday, I will be doing training for my part time job teaching at Berlitz. It`s really gonna suck because I'll be training for four days from 9-5 :-( I had to cancel a shopping trip with Tsveti on Saturday for the stupid training....but I believe that it will be really worth it in the end (or at least I hope so). I was pretty overwhelmed when I went to the Berlitz interview in Tokyo, but apparently, the situation is a lot more flexible/laid back than what I was told at the interview. Also, I hope I will be able to make it on time for the foreign exchange student Christmas party on Saturday. I am really gonna be pissed if I get there really late and/or don`t have time to get ready. I just need to get through these next several days and then....Nagano!

"I pick up my smile put it in my pocket

Hold it for a while try not to have to drop it

Men are not to cry so how am I to stop it

Keep it all inside don't show how much he rocked ya...

Dreams we dreamed at night were never meant to come to life...

This time in my life I was hurt enough to care

I guess from now on I'll be careful what I share

Ooh can you feel the same

Ooh ya gotta love the pain

Ooh it looks like rain again

Yeah feel it comin' in

The mountains win again..."

-Blues Traveler "The Mountains Win Again"