Spring Has Sprung!

Today is Friday it doesn't really feel like Friday because I haven't worked much this week. This is good because I have more free time to practice my Japanese skills and do planning but sometimes I lose focus with all this free time. We are in a changing period at both schools I work at. Some of my classes at Lesley school have been cut. I am sad to have less students, but this gives me time to develop some good teaching patterns and ideas, rather than doing last minute planning like I did all winter. The Kindergarten is establishing routines and allowing for adjustment for many of these kids who are away from home for the first time. On Tuesday, the school was locked and under close watch as many of the kids would try to escape. Or stare out the front doors yelling "okasan", the Japanese word for mom. It was sad, especially when they would just stop in the middle of the class and just start crying. Their eyes glazed and blank expression kinda reminded me of how I must have appeared the first month at the school. It's a strange, scary place when you first arrive! ha ha! By today many of the kids and myself were in better moods, which I blame on the very very nice weather Nagai is having this spring!

I decided to take some photos of things that make me happy with Spring time in Japan. Since we don't have Easter here I've come to love the simple things that spring has to offer.

Above is a garden that my apartment backs onto. I always see this cute old man working in it every morning when I go for my run (something I've only just started this week but hope to develop into a habit seeing as I entered a marathon in May!!) I think it is going to be real pretty soon and cannot wait to see the fresh veggies, it might be tempting not to take some I think! The next picture is my bike. If you know me at all you know that spring at home is the time I get out my commuter bike and use that for transportation instead of my car. I absolutely love biking around Regina. This spring "getting out the bike" means I can get around faster than the walking I did all winter. The bike I was given is ridiculously small, but I'll take it. Plus it allows me to cruise around in style! It is strange not to have a car, and difficult at times but I am getting used to it. A car means freedom, something I've lost while in Japan so far, but slowly with time and as I understand the trains in my area I am gaining it back.

Tonight my friend Rebecca is having a potluck. I am very excited for this. I am making delicious fresh rolls and hope to eat tons of food I normally don't eat in Japan. It's a little different Easter celebration but all the better to do something new!