Lessons...

With the third years, I'm moving them away from the "Here's an English grammar I'd like you to use conversationally" type lessons to classes that are more focused on pair-work and presentations. The idea is that I want them to improve their presenting skills (which they will need for their university interviews and in their university classes); I want to point out more directly the mistakes they are commonly making; and it's a chance for them to speak English on the spot (that's as close to a real life situation as I can duplicate in a classroom). The hardest part about this is trying to come up with presentation ideas that are both useful and engaging for the students. This week's topic is by far my favorite. It really gives the students a chance to be studious, or silly--whatever their choice.

The topic is teaching someone how to do something. 

Some students really gave their how-to topic some thought:

While others were a bit more silly.

A diamond!

Check out this flow chart!

This one is based on the "ore ore sagyo" scam. A bit too real, but got a nice laugh from the class. 

This one is by far my favorite. Sometimes being a good friend really is that easy. 

Not long now...

I've been back here a little more than a year. Seems to happen all too fast. 

Spring's not too far away now. Can't come fast enough. 

Hopeful...

I took a class in college once where the professor told us, "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. It's all a matter of perspective." Whatever the case, I hope they release those two Japanese men. Freedom fighter or terrorist, I can't imagine how harming two innocent people helps to further your cause. 

Prayers and hopes to those two and their families...and to the good in mankind. 

School days...

I work at a very pretty place. 

Out of sorts...

The basketball team I've been rooting for most of my cognizant life is actually pretty good this year. Finally, after so many years of utter futility, in a league where over half the teams reach the playoffs annually, my team is actually considered something of a delight to watch by the national media. The team has been routinely beating their opponents (I hope I'm not jinxing them for tonight), and beating them convincingly. I'm not sure how to respond. 

Sometimes a friend from the east coast will say how good my team looks. Or how they should be playing deep into the summer this year. Makes sense, sure. But after a remarkably steady diet of habitual failure since my early teens, how do I condition myself away from expecting disaster? How do I convince myself that a 10-game losing streak isn't on the way? I feel like the average-Joe who inexplicably starting dating the hottest girl in high school and now doesn't now how to act. What do I dooooo? Should I buy a felt hat and wear it? Should I smoke a pipe? People write books all the time about how to deal with failure, but what about the book on how to deal with success where there had only ever been tears of sadness and never ending physical pain? 

I should try and enjoy the wins more, but I can't stop myself from thinking, "Wait, what? This is happening? Like, for real reals?"

Let me know when this prank is over. 

Wine in a can -- or good things in unexpected packages...

My hood rat-turned-lawyer buddy gave me my first taste of wine from a can -- not bad. 

Somehow when I had this in my hand, the thought of wine in a box felt like it'd be a step up. Life quickly reverts back to what it used to be when you're back in your hometown for the holidays. Not always a bad thing. 

Unexpected...

A former student from the basketball team passed away the other day. He was all of 18, 19.

Life's flimsy like that.

Guess all we can do is to appreciate and enjoy the days we get. 

Five little monkeys...

This is what makes home so great.