Last night I had a series of horrible, gross dreams. In one I was eating McDonald's by a moldy old pool in the middle of a sorority rush.

This morning I was quickly revived by a new activity, Squiggles. I found it in an old book. You give the students some squiggly lines and they have to make a picture out of it as well as write an English sentence or two.

Here are the best ones!

Woo Hoo!

I got a new job!!!!! In Nagoya!!!! I'm so excited!!!!!

After a lengthy, nervous, but nice interview with a super cool guy on Saturday (which I posted about yesterday and Blogger magically ate), I heard back quickly and found out I got the job! I'll start training in late August and the actual job in September! Celebratin' with my buddy Rum Raisin at the moment, fill you in on more details as they come. The only thing that could make me possibly feel better at this very moment would be if Johnny Thunders serenaded me personally with a badass version of "Crawfish." (I didn't mean that. I decided today that this might be the worst song ever recorded. It sounds like some bullshit rip off of Kokomo that The Police screwed up with a harmonica solo and a Casio. I can't imagine the Elvis version is much better.)

Been in touch with my successor and in the process of cleaning the apartment out for her. I feel great!


No snake in my boot!

Because sun "block" just wasn't enough.

Tastes Like Burning

Every time the weather is mildly temperate in Kurobe, the sun shining high and the wind blowing low, you can prepare your olifactories and respiratory system for "Burn Shit Day." Although it initially appears like any other day, "Burn Shit Day" is where the citizens of town get together and collectively and carefully, just watch me now, burn shit. No one really knows what it is they're torching, and it would seem to me that this smoky phenomenon happens only on days when it's worth going outside or when I'm about to go running.
After careful research, and a few more years shaved of my life, I've been able to clearly identify particular burning categories.

* Burnt hot dogs in buns with brown mustard
* Charred rice and chili powder
* Skunky Pot....nobody's fooling me on this one
* Burnt rubber bouncy balls and hair
* Smoldering leaves with a hint of those little fire works that snap when you hurl them at the ground and/or your friends
* Charcoal and coffee grounds

Charity Show was this weekend in Takaoka complete with various variety acts and a funny Japanese version of Cinderella which should have been subtitled "The Prince and His Remarkable Balls". Good job everybody! Thanks to Lee, I was lucky enough to have some paintings on display in the lobby alongside Owen's photographs. I'l post a photo of one of my favorites, if you want to see some more just let me know and I can e-mail them to you.

Will and I went to the Unazuki footbath today. It was delightful!

Got an interview for a new job next Saturday. I'm a little nervous. Someone give me a belly to rub for good luck.

Bushels of Bushes

It was a two week Bush Family invasion, one which will be spoken of for years to come.

There was some of this.....

....this.......

......and only a little of this.

Please enjoy this stylish, hand selected photo montage, created to satiate all of your "foreigner antics in residential vicinity of expatriate family member" needs.



Hit it up, Dad.

Kimono festival in Hiroshima.





Hiroshima dome.


Miyajima

My Dad suggested we hike down this mountain, and we all reluctantly agreed. While my quads got quite the work out, I think a small part of me will always remain on that mountain, the least of which is my cardiovascular dignity.

Who knew that 200 yen worth of crackers would create a deer feeding frenzy? I saw one eat a map out of some guy's hand.

Biggest rice paddle in the world.

Kanazawa market.

I am currently away from my desk right now visiting islands and castles, taking boat rides, watching monkeys, feeding deer, eating beans and entertaining four family members. If I make it out alive, I will post pictures.
Speaking of vacations, I would like to extend some big hugs to those valient ATLiens involved in the recent car accident. Get well soon, I'll send you some jam. Maybe Caroline can cheer you up!

"That sure was a good Bikkle." Caroline Bush, DDS

Guess I forgot to put the fog lights in

Today I taught a lesson on commercials. I was explaining slogans to my kids, and I thought about this guy. I haven't eaten Golden Crisp in years, but I remember the time I bought a box and got a Japanese coin inside!