it's not life that matters but the journey...

Today was actually a good day . . . before I went out for my little teaching job (to Shimizu to teach Noriko and the three boys), I was feeling awful - stomach cramps and other "issues" that only women understand.  On the train, I buried my head in my book:  the collection of Stephen King's novellas with "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" (the basis for one my favorite films), "Apt Pupil" (another great movie, though disturbing) and "The Body" (basis for another of my film faves, "Stand By Me").  Its fun to read Stephen King because he is such a great writer - he creates characters that are so real and so intriguing (something that I am struggling to do as a very novice novelist), and his writing is so raw.  But anyway, I was just avoiding the world outside by getting into my book because I didn't even want to go out today.  However, I did go out, and I am so so glad that I did.  And here's why . . .

(but first I have to divulge the reason why I was so happy with today's very minor events):  lately I've been feeling very unhappy, discouraged, and basically disinterested in being around anybody.  Of course I'm disappointed with my life (or lack thereof) and the lack of success for our business endeavor (the school).  But I am also very disappointed in people, particularly their tendency to want to use you for their own purposes, and then when they are done (or if you don't satisfy their needs) they just dump you, no word, no explanation, end of story. And it being the holiday season, people are even more indulged in their own business (even though its supposed to be the season of giving and good will towards humankind, which is why I give presents and cards even though I don't expect anything from the recipients.)

So when I went to teach Noriko and the kids today, I wasn't expecting anything different than usual:   teach them, have a nice snack, and go home with my usual compensation (3,000 yen per class and an assortment of snacks and fresh fruit which Noriko always gives me).   However, today I was in for a surprise, and I was taken aback at how much they had done for me for Christmas (this is my last lesson with them until after the holidays): 

• the kids had each signed a Christmas card for me (in Japanese of course) , and they each drew a picture of me - very funny
• Noriko gave me a gift:  a beautiful dusty rose-colored, cashmere muffler
• the kids gave me a gift too (of course picked out by one of the kids' mothers):   a gorgeous pair of dark blue cashmere gloves with fur on the cuffs.  Very expensive gifts, and very unexpected. 
• we ate delicious Christmas cake
•  and to top it all off, she sent me home with a bag full of chocolates and cakes. 

Amazing!  I only had to teach the kids for a half hour, too, and got paid the regular fee.   

so, I went home much happier (and warmer thanks to my gifts!) - and with a little bit more faith in humanity (but just a little bit more faith).  Noriko is very sweet and very generous, and for her I'm thankful.  AS for the rest of humanity?   the jury is still out... 

oh, if only life were like a Japanese vending machine!  Then we could all truly get what we want and what we need on every corner, even in the middle of nowhere:  http://photomann.com/japan/machines/

Vending machines are what I will miss the most when I return to the states.  That and the convenience stores, which are another phenomenon that can't be matched anywhere else.

but here's another strange phenomenon of Japan lately, the killings of young girls, which is being blamed on the "Lolita Complex" (or as they call it here, "Rorikon") the most recent was a young "cram school teacher who killed his 6th grade pupil.  the story is indeed very weird, and would make a hell of a movie:

http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/waiwai/face/news/20051216p2g00m0dm011000c.html