The Book of Seldom

First I need to thank Tim for the heads up on Open Office. Not only did it help with my writing, but with my grading as well. This time around, only one student wrote "Hint Box" as an answer. Try as I might to not let some kids fail...at least one did. Again, the Tips from Tim have helped me in ways very few might have expected. So what if Open Office and Google Earth are both free (in theory), they helped open up opportunities.

Second, only because of timing, is Angelina. Thank you for taking the time to visit us. I know how busy you get. Kumiko was very happy to see you again, as was Billy. Our home is always open to you. We are glad we could help you get your fill of Hello Kitty. And thank you again for bringing stuff up. I stiff feel bad for asking so much.

Third, Creo Consulting, LLC Employment Agency for contacting me. I regret not being able to fill the position you offered as I am contracted out till March of 2007. If anyone is interested in a Bilingual Job in Southern Ohio, I suggest you look them up.

Fourth, on writing. I have started The Book of Seldom. It be a tiny notebook that outlines what I want to write. I fill it up with ideas for chapters, and then I fill in the text when I have time. I know this is like writing lyrics to music, but at least it is better than what I was doing (avoiding it). Fear of failure is not a factor ( as fas as it sucking goes), but fear of not being able to follow through/ finish is. There are too many stories that choke or drop the damn ball right at the end, I don't want this to be like that. That said, my book has started, and it is already fucked up.

Fifth, Daniel. Damn man. Your job is to serve people, but the fuck nuts that you have to handle are beyond the job description. Very few could keep it together like you do. The old guy who pissed in your empty cola can which he left upright in your trash...well, at least he told you. The others...well, if you think possitive, there are those who honestly need help and who behave according to what society dictates as normal. Daniel, you get the Citizen of the Seldom Award.

Sixth, on teaching. Last week I had a discussion with a student about whether you could get shot on the street in the US. I told him that there are dangerous areas, and yes, if you are not careful, you could get shot (go wear your colors in the wrong hood). He said that Japan is a safer place, and I responded by telling him, "Yes, except for the poor elementary school kids." These kids seem like targets. Kidnapped, raped, stabbed, or worse, these pint sized people have it hard. The generation before them doesn't want to work (yet apparently this lack of motivation does not extend to the urge to fuck with these kids, the next generation). You would thing that with the population decline the government would place a priority on keeping these kids alive let alone safe. Giving Kids pepper spray would not work. They aren't tall enough to hit a torso let alone eyes, and I know that as a kids, I would hit myself or my friends in the eyes with the stuff just to see what all the fuss was about. Alarms are not very effective as some parents don't have the cash to buy one (yes, this is true). The alarms don't really help if you are forced into a moving van.

It is great that the Japanese Govt is thinking about saving engery by wearing warmer clothes (and conducting fashion shows), but shouldn't the priority be on saftey?