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

I finally watched the last episode of FlashForward, and it just left me feeling more frustrated and sad that it was canceled. It was really such a good show. Why, ABC, why???

I've got lots and lots of things to write about, and some pictures to post from last week ... but I just don't have the energy. my weekend was super busy - mostly spent rearranging furniture and getting things organized at home. Plus shopping for more furnishings for our two rooms - we've turned what was meant to be the classroom into a little "living room" with our tv, DVD player, sofa and a coffee table. it's very cozy. now we just need to get AC in that room for summer - it's the hottest room in the house! I also got myself a library card - the local library has a small but substantial collection of books in English so I can at least get by until I can buy some books this summer.

And speaking of summer, I finally got around to booking my flight to Washington, and it's going to bankrupt me. For some reason, airfares are outrageously expensive this summer - I know it's peak travel time in Japan, as it is most places, but I never expected to have to pay more than half of a month's salary just for a flight! I hardly even have enough money in my account now to pay for it! I did check to see how much a flight would cost if I had been traveling from the U.S. to Japan, and it's outrageous too - almost the same, in fact maybe even more. What's going on with the airline?? Anyway, I have to go. There's no question. my dad died and I haven't been back to see my family. So I decided to make it a 3-week trip rather than 2 weeks - this way I might be able to take a side trip to California (only if I can get a pass from my sister's husband who works for Alaska - I can't afford any more flights!)

Well I've got to get to sleep. I've been super busy making lesson plans after work, which is one reason I'm so scarce on LJ and so bad at commenting and replying. Please don't delete me from your friends list - I will have more free time soon. in fact next week, things will slow down a bit.

Before I go, I need to get some input. I'm trying to decide what to do with my hair. summer is coming and I usually end up cutting my hair short. But I have been toying with the idea of growing it out a bit, and growing the bangs. But to be honest, it's driving me crazy and I'm ready to chop it off - at least the bangs! And what about bangs. are they in or out these days? I tried bangs last year and thought they didn't look good on me, but if I continue to grow my bangs, it will be another two months of frustration - they're always in my eyes.
So here's the most recent picture of me with the students - as well as a picture of me with shorter hair from last summer. tell me whether you think I should cut my hair short, or keep growing it. right now it's at a terrible stage, and just looks bad.







and a picture of the last time I had longer hair like three years ago. that's my nephew - he's now 3 1/2!





please fill out my poll. who knows what I'll do, but ideas are always nice.

[Poll #1575373]