Ni nen kudasai!

"Two years please!"
Yup, we are staying in Japan for a 2nd year. Sorry we told this little girl before any of you :) Today I finally signed the contract, after months of feeling 50/50 about it. I had just finished teaching a class that went really well, and after sitting down at my desk, the head of the English department and the Vice principal presented me with the contract, asking if I could turn it in by tomorrow. They had good things to say, hoping I would stay. I assured Fujii-sensei that Mike and I are happy living in Japan, and I had no problem signing it.

How can I be so sure while I'm missing friends, family, and familiarity?
Well, here are some reasons to stay in Japan:

President Bush. It's good to be far away, although he still finds ways to haunt us.
Every day is an adventure!
I'm (maybe) learning a foreign language.
Sushi, sashimi, any kind of nabe, soba, udon, somen, mochi, and azuki bean sweets!
I'm finding that I really like teaching; High school is a lot more fun as a teacher, this 2nd time around.
Mountains, mountains everywhere! (but where are the trails? someone out there, please help with this part!)
Ancient history and cultural heritage
Spiritual inspiration
Cherry-blossom flavored KitKat! (I think they taste like Froot Loops, though)
Tons of free time with *Mike*!