Attempt at Poetry: Hopeful, Maybe

http://www.alphahacks.com/2013/06/the-top-20-life-is-hard-quotes-to-get-you-through-a-bad-day/

One day, I woke up

My thoughts- no direction

My feelings- nothing

My existence- empty 

It must be the sorrows 

This year brought

It must be the hurts 

My heart holds

Even in sleep

I find no solace

Even in prayer

I find no peace

My mind is weary

Grasping for sanity

My downcast soul

Struggling for hope: 

One day, I'll wake up

My thoughts- sane

My feelings- steady

My existence- settled

Fun Christmas Lesson Idea: Let's Sing Some Carols!

image credits; http://www.only4ukids.com/festivals/christmas/christmas_carols.shtml

Christmas is not a big thing in Christmas but some teachers would ask the ALT to give a Christmas lesson. When I was asked to give a Christmas lesson on my first year, I want to show how wonderful Christmas is.

Personally, I feel Christmas is in the air when the carols start to play. Sadly in Japan, all I usually hear is Taylor Swift's version of "Last Christmas" and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You." The students were surprised to know that there are many many Christmas Carols aside from the two pop Xmas songs and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. So aside from doing what I want- that is to listen to carols, this lesson is also a great chance to expose students to classic Christmas carols.

How to Travel in Japan Cheaply

Autumn afternoon at Lake Sanaru, Hamamatsu

Side note first: 

Lately, I haven't been writing regularly because my busyness is killing my creativity. I'm working 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week. I also have church responsibilities on Sundays. There's no time to think and allow ideas to grow. It's really true that too much work can drain art. (Art, really? hehe!) I want to write at least 3 times a week but whenever I open my blog, I'm just staring and staring on the screen. I'm not complaining about work, just hoping I can have more time to think and write. So that's about the side note.

It's no secret that Japan's an expensive country to visit and explore. I've been around several countries in Asia and so far, Japan has the priciest accommodation and transportation. Justifiably, the accommodations in Japan, even the youth hostels, are really clean and safe. The transportation system is dependable and efficient. Still, wouldn't it be nice to save some Yen while enjoying this country? 

One secret to travel cheap here is by using the Seishun Juhachi Kippu. In Translation it means, Youthful 18 Ticket. (Juhachi= 18, Kippu= ticket). It's a collection of 5 tickets to JR local trains worth 11500 Yen.