i'm going to try something different for this post, only because my mind has been a bit scatterbrain this week and nothing seems to be going on.
so i'll make up questions and answer them. maybe that'll focus me.

How are you feeling right now? Hmm. Can we start with an easier one please?

Ok. What have you got planned tonight? Right on. I can do this one. Tonight is the bookclub meeting for "Perfume." A fascinating novel by a German author, Patrick Suskind. It's a story of a murderer with an extraordinarily heightened sense of smell and no moral sense to speak of. It takes place during the 19th century in France. It's beautiful and gory and haunting and stunning. So i'm looking forward to a good discussion because i quite enjoyed it, but can imagine that some people might not have as much.

What sparked your interest this week? BBC stories about young people and their beliefs, values, ideas, ambitions, apprehensions. It's been a great series for reading and listening on the radio, but wish i had more time to devote to it. BBC sponsored a school-to-school link up in several countries. They also conducted surveys of young people in several countries, asking them the same questions. It was interesting to find out that around 70% of those under 18 believe that people should be able to migrate freely around the world. Just shows how differently they are growing up from me and anyone older than me. Their world, from birth to now has always been globalized. Connections between countries across the world is nothing to them, just as it is not new that one can speak to a person via internet for free in different parts of the globe. So, of course, why should there be borders if we're already functioning on so many levels without them? Them growing up and taking charge should be quite interesting.
btw. here's a link to the photo vote connected to the stories on BBC this week. Under 13 photo contest

How's the weather? Well. It's lovely, actually, thanx for asking. Sunny with a slight wind. The wind is not warm, of course, but the sun helps. It rained on and off this week, though, with yesterday bringing the heaviest downpour. Am worried about mold again.

What have you been involved in this week? Well...because 3rd graders went on a school trip to Kyushu this week and 2nd graders had a standardized test to take on Thursday, i only taught 1st graders this week, so it's been a bit slow. On Wednesday, though, the 1st graders went hiking up a "mountain" and i went with them. It was a beautiful, sunny day. A bit windy, but gorgeous, otherwise. 29 lively 7th graders, their two homeroom teachers, myself, and the principal were guided on a trail through Ogimi "mountains" by 6 or 7 expert naturalists from the village. It was great! And i keep putting mountain in qouatation marks, 'cause they kept calling it "yama" but they are just really tall hills. beautiful tall hills. the hike was great. it's good to know a trail that i can now show others. it took us 4 hours but that included stopping every once in a while for explanations from guides, brief water rests, and lunch. And of course, kids walk slowly, especially when there is a plethora of bugs, and weird plants around. So i'm sure adults can walk it in under 2 hours. See new photos in the December album.

What are you looking forward to this weekend? Started reading the 7th and final book in the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. Am looking forward to more of it. But it'll be sad when i finish and there won't be another volume to look forward to.

Who's your favorite sister? Hmm... that's a tough one. You mean, i gotta pick from my own, or someone else's?
Your own, of course. Ahh. k. well. How about the one who posts a comment on my blog first?
Ok. That'll work. Any more questions?

Nah. I think it's time you went home. It's Friday! Go get the oil changed, and make a reservation for the Block Gift Exchange Party next week, and drive to Chatan and enjoy company of good, literate folk. Oh. Ok. If you insist. ;)