Elementary School

These are some of the kids at the school where I volunteer, the fifth graders. They make me remember being eleven. I'd have to say the flexing kid in front most resembles me; pretty smart, mildly athletic, total goofball. Hopefully he turns out better than I did. I really feel sorry for the girls. Drastically outnumbered, 8-to-2, they seem annoyed by everything. Or maybe they just hate english. Tough call. Teaching is better than I expected though. I'm surprisingly great with kids - at least Japanese ones - I'm treated like a superstar at both the elementary and nursery school.

Making Mochi

Mochi is great. It's basically a thick condensed/compressed rice cake. Yesterday I had the privilege of watching some folks make it (and have a go at it myself), and though I've seen it before I don't think we've ever posted about it here. So the (very abbreviated guide to mochi-making:

1. overcook several cups of rice until it's soft & fluffy

2. hit it with a giant mallet until it's a dough-like glob

3. break up and roll into small pieces and let it cool/harden

4. Cover with various flavorings or throw it in some soup and enjoy.

Step number two is obviously everyone's favorite. (Rightfully so) I handed off my camera to get a shot of me pounding away with the mallet, but Mr. Yamada apparently didn't feel like bothering. Supposedly someone else has a shot of it. Maybe I'll get a copy some day. About to go eat my mochi leftovers as a mid-afternoon snack.

The Lion King This Ain't

So above is your typical guardian lion, often seen outside of shrines here in Japan. Yesterday I went to Nonohana preschool where they had a traditional dance featuring a guy in a lion outfit. The kids had no idea what to make of it; half educational, half utter terror. Both halves together of course amount to total awesomeness and a great time for yours truly.


The Stare Down (if only you could see the tears)


The Horror (possibly my favorite photo ever)


The Prayer Bite (I wish I had a shot of me in his jaws)


The Sacrifice (kids have to learn somehow)

Pain in the Back

A year and a half of living in house made for exceptionally short people is starting to catch up with me. It isn't enough stooping to go through doorways. If you saw me washing dishes, you'd be amazed by my ability to do them at a near-90-degree angle. Today I realized our kitchen table barely comes above my knee. Hilarious on one hand, but it's wearing me down. I've had to rethink how I do a lot of things; consciously bending down with my knees to pick things up, etc. Today I actually washed the dishes on my knees (after already taking to pulling a chair over to the sink a few months ago. I'm stretching every day and Colleen's recommended yoga - which I've yet to take her up on - but I cannot wait to back around things manufactured just that extra little bit taller. I'll probably still be bending and stooping, but at least the angles won't be as drastic.

-Mike