Back in the swing of things

What felt like a never-ending winter has finally passed here in Sapporo.  The days are getting longer and warmer, and there's even been a few days where I didn't have to wear a jacket outside.  It's hard to believe, since just two weeks ago there was still a few inches of snow on the ground!

Spring is also the beginning of the new school year here in Japan.  March and April have been full of goodbye parties and welcome parties, and I've gotten to know my coworkers better in the process.  I didn't teach the whole month of March, so I was so excited last week to finally get back in the classroom. The new ichi nensei are really sweet, and super energetic.  So far, they're not afraid to raise their hand and answer questions, which is such a relief.  We've welcomed a few new members into English club as well, but we're still an all-girls group!

Takuya and I also had another Live (what they call music performances here) at Monkey Bar yesterday.  It was the first time we'd been there when it wasn't snowing, and it was a perfect day for hanging out with friends and singing.  I even broke out my pianica for one song.  I feel like such a lucky person to have such wonderful friends who continue to want to hear us and support us.

Other happy moment last week included: finally being able to ride my bike to the subway station, seeing the older gentlemen who sort the bikes at the station (they don't work during the winter), planning my balcony garden in my head, and bike rides near the Toyohira River.  

Ethan working on his puppet for Drama Class

Practicing with Takuya (and the pianica)

English Department welcome party for new faculty

  Now that Spring has woken me out of my winter slumber, I promise I'll be better with my blogging.  I'm looking forward to what this season has in store!!