Inspiration For Longevity

    Please see the Japanese translation below! 下記の日本語訳をご覧ください。   Kaki no nihongo-yaku o goran kudasai. These are some of my favorite shots from a recent hike up Mt. Takao I did with my friend Stuart. Although we did not get the classic shot of Mt. Fuji due to the clouds, it was still gorgeous and so scenic! My current teaching contract with the Tokyo International Progressive School ends this June. With strong encouragement from Setsuko, I have been keeping a close eye on the American School web site. That is where I worked my first year in Japan. The school is just a 20 minute walk from our house.  As usual, persistence pays! After striking out many many times, I just caught that school's announcement asking for applications for a part-time Health/PE position. Although I am not licensed in that area, I feel like I am very qualified to teach those subjects. I threw my hat in the ring and will keep you posted! It would be very exciting to teach Health and PE. Those ha...

 Please see the Japanese translation below!  The lake pictures are from Lake Chuzenji, very close to Nikko. The stream pictures are from Kawagoe, a very popular location to see the cherry blossoms. Very stunning at both locations! I never cease to be amazed at Japan's never-ending beauty! On the opposite end of the spectrum has been a real pain in the neck! When I got back from our Oshima Island trip two months ago, I noticed that it was painful to turn to my left while riding my bike. I also noticed that some of the day to day neck movements were strained and a bit painful.  I assumed that this would go away in a short period of time. Not only did the discomfort not go away, but I started to have some tingling in my left hand and soreness running down my left arm. A sure sign of a pinched nerve. Darn! I finally went to a local physical therapist  recommended by a friend. That person did some electro-therapy and manual massage. While the treatment felt great immediat...