Thursday, January 11, 2007

Akemashite Omedettou Gozaimasu


That would be the equivalent to "Happy New Year" (this, of course, would be accompanied by much deep bowing). I've been away for a bit due to a "holiday" (took full advantage of the 3 days I had off around New Year's), and, frankly, I've been really down and out and didn't feel like pissinnmoanin much here. The holidays were just reeeeally difficult this year, not just because I wasn't home, but mostly because I didn't feel like "home" was the same now with Mom and Grandma both "gone". Fortunately, some of you were nice enough to send cards and a BIG thanks to Cathy and Dad for sending care packages. So, Dad, even though I can't get a hug from you every night, at least I can hug myself wearing that nifty robe you sent. And Cathy, of course I didn't eat ALL of the cookies...(in one sitting) - no really - I did share, and had pictures to prove it, but tragically I managed to delete all - ALL! of my photos from my computer (OH, NO!). And I've already read the book you sent and have passed it along to one of the other Japanese teachers of English (but we'd both like to know if next time you would be so kind as to send some of the Nora Roberts MEN, too, please?) Anyway - what was this picture? Oh yes - it was at a shrine near Kita Kyushu - they're little stone gods wearing bibs and wishes, and little handmade hats to keep warm. Or I could be making all this up. I have no idea. I had a massive allergy attack and so your guess is as good as mine here...

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Trace--Checking in on you and wishing you a Happy Happy New Year. Lots of peeps at Ely asked if I had heard from you over the holidays so I took the opportunity to send your blog address out (again). Hope you will be hearing from others to wish you well. Here's the latest from the sunshine state. FLORIDA GATORS WON THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP. Beat the &$#@* out of Ohio State who was favored to win. Brittan has been just a little crazy over that. He said Gainesville was wild! Now UF holds the National Champs in Football and Basketball. It's an exciting time for him to be at school there. Yesterday was his first day of class and the star freshman quarterback,Tim Tebow, is in his class. Brittan is gonna give him some pointers (ha!). Dyllan is great. Got a car for his 16th (can't remember if I told you that). He is most independent for 16, kinda scarey. Both boys dating their same sweet girlfriends--15 months WOW!! Colin and I are back and forth to FTL and SBRG on the weekends. All dogs are cute and silly still. And that's the update. Your hair looks great! You look happy and healthy. What an amazing experience you are having. Keep those fabulous pictures coming our way. Lots of love. K-san

Tracey said...

K-san! Gay Goaters! Er, I mean...Ooops!
Naw...I was actually rootin for the Florida team, and you, know, I live with a gator, of course. Did you see Sam on top of the pig at the onsen? He's still a huge hit here.
I'm glad Brit gets to enjoy the National Champs bit - that's definitely fun when you're a student :)
Well - here's a shoutout to all the Ely peeps - where are you??? C'mon - harass me on the blog here! Don't worry if your messages aren't FCAT approved -! (I must say - I DON'T miss THAT craziness!)

Anonymous said...

No!! not all your photos!!!
What's with the 'bibs' on the statues? Do they say Happy New Year (I'm not even going to try to type the Japanese version, let alone pronounce it!)Remind me of the 21 Buddas sitting in the pond in the middle of the big park in Amsterdam... maybe your next adventure! :)

Anonymous said...

Please don't mention FCAT. I wanna cut my head off. It is next month REMEMBER??? Anyway, I have been asked to run a poster competition for the FCAT pep rally. You heard it-- FCAT PEP RALLY. Hope that works to pep 'em up. I built the assignment into my curriculum to guarentee entrants. Smart, eh? You know how much I love FCAT and Poster Competitions so I am just wiggley with glee at the moment. It seems that when you have 3 art teachers and then 2 and then 1, the 1 ends up with triple the work. Who knew? It is truly an adventure in patience (and time managenent) everyday. But, ya gotta love the kids and LAUGH, LAUGH, LAUGH. Keep up the good work. k