*Six-Ten*

Six months since my last post, ten months since my move to Japan...
It's been a heck of a year for the Mooncake. Except for that one year of hell 4 years ago, I've never experienced such a roller-coaster year.
Japan's been a bit of an experience for me. The people are friendly enough, but some of them really go all out to make you feel like a definite outsider here. I've managed to learn just enough Japanese to get by, and my comprehension is pretty good... so good that I watch sumo in Japanese now!
I'm mad about Sumo - Ozumo. I've been following the current tournament almost every day, and I'm an crazy about Kotooshu - a Bulgarian Rikishi. It's the most exciting sport I've ever watched - save Canadian Hockey... and it's great for anyone who has occasional attention-deficit disorder like me because eat bout only lasts about 3 minutes... and it's then time for the next 2 guys!
Work's been crazy too. I'm still not too impressed with the way things are run and done... but I love my kids so much. They're not really kids - adults, really... but they'll always be my kids to me. My freshmen have really grown into themselves over the year, and I love them to death and will do almost anything for them. Today was the last day I had them for Freshman English, and they gave me a gorgeous basket of pink flowers (my favourite colour for flowers) and they each wrote me a postcard that they packed into a little holder. I ran into some of them tonight at their part-time jobs, and I realised that they're really not the same babies I met 9 months ago. They work and they do their school work - some times well... and sometimes not so well... and I love them for always trying their best for me, even if they're exhausted from work.
It's been a great day and a great weekend for me. I met new friends, tried new things... and got an apology from a problematic stay at a super-posh hotel in Beijing! Not only did I get an apology... they reversed the charges and apologised by letting me stay free! Sometimes... it really pays to be as bloody outspoken as I... but most of the time... I know I should be a little less... loud.
Time to go back to my reality. Japan's nice and all... but I'm still missing good ol' New York! Woohoo! Only 3 and a half weeks to go before I'm back! Yay!~