Monthly Archives: December 2011

Out of Touch

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I am without a home computer without further notice. Last night I took mine to the Apple store in Shinsaibashi to get the display fixed. Weirdly enough, the same guy from my last trip to the Apple store helped me out. Dear Ingen told me that because of the holiday rush (New Year’s is bigger than Christmas in Japan) the repairs would take seven to ten days. City Hall will close from tomorrow through January 2nd, so I’ll have only my iPod to keep me connected online. In a way I’m looking forward to it. I’ll read some books or play some music. Constant internet access is my biggest distraction; who knows, perhaps the upcoming days of disconnect will spur me to knock off a few of my goals on ye old Projects! list.

Anyone else gone computer-less in these modern times?

Gingerbread: Revenge

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“Revenge” is a borrowed word in Japanese, one that I occasionally hear in class. If a student answers a question incorrectly but retries later in the class, s/he will often raise a hand with a declaration of “Ree-BEN-gee!” Were I to give them a more accurate translation of the sentiment, all my students would be shouting, “For my honor! Redemption!” I wrote earlier about my troubles with gingerbread. The mere thought of that day can make my blood boil with the fires of righteous indignation. As you may remember I ended that blog entry with a declaration of war. Or just one to make real gingerbread houses. Same thing. Either way, with Christmas right around the corner the time for my revenge drew nigh. Continue reading →