Wow, long time no write. Sorry about that. I was tired out after last week and I just kind of lazed right through the weekend. I figured I better get back in gear.
The weekend was a nice one. Kuniko was gone on Saturday but she was home all day Sunday, so we could spend some quality time together. It got seriously cold around here, and just today I broke down and bought some kerosene for the heater.
We saw a movie over the weekend – Casino Royale, and I also unsuccessfully entered a lottery for the chance to buy a Nintendo Wii. It didn’t work out, so we’ll have to keep our eyes open for a chance to buy one in the future. They look like a lot of fun.
Today we had trouble getting out of bed. It was pretty cold, and pretty early, and so we huddled with each other under the electric blanket and slept right through our normal bento lunch making time. The electric blanket that we have is one I bought about two years ago when I was single and not expecting to need a big one. It covers both of us, but if one person rolls over, the other person is immediately exposed. Kuniko is pretty defensive while she’s sleeping, so I’m usually the one that is exposed. Tonight we’re going to head to Saty and pick up a new one.
The train was late this morning, so I showed up at work about 10 minutes later than usual. I had a big day full of classes, but one was moved so I had two breaks during the day instead of just one. Maybe it was just Monday, but the students were tough to get motivated today. With the exception of the first year students, all my classes were pretty quiet.
The first years were full of energy as usual, though, and it is always a joy to listen to their rendition of “Stand By Me”. Both of the first year teachers were pretty tired out from working all weekend, so I think everyone was overwhelmed by the students.
One of the (few) nice things about living across the street from a 24-hour gas station is that it is really easy to walk across the street and buy kerosene. In Futami there was nothing nearby – you had to drive to the nearest station, fill it up, and drive back. 18 liters of kerosene is a little on the heavy side, so you wouldn’t want to walk all the way there.
Now, it’s just a few steps away. Today I went over and talked with one of the guys, who trained me on how it works. It was really easy, and I think we’ll be nice and warm this winter thanks to the heater.
The heater is running in the kitchen, warming both the kitchen and the living room. I’m tucked under the kotatsu, and I’m drinking hot sake and wearing a warm fleece top. It’s not even under freezing yet, but I’ve found my stay-warm setup for the winter. Bring it on!
