My new digs. So, I'm currently living in my parents' dining room until I get a job and find an apartment. It's not so bad. 

Here is my beautiful baby dog, Lola, who I dearly missed and was so happy to see once I got back into Houston. Look at that face. 

Sunday night, before I left, we all went out for one last Izakaya Ja Nai and karaoke. Here are Yukiko and Akiko singing old Japanese pop. 

Farewell Japan!

So, I'm leaving in a couple of days. I just had my farewell party last night. It was great. About 50 students and staff showed up and we dined on pasta and pizza at the Cannery Row party house. I was so happy that so many students came to say goodbye. So, enjoy the pics below.

And, for everyone in Japan - thank you so much for making my experience unforgettable. I really appreciate all of your kindness and friendships. I will truly miss you. Please keep in touch.

Sayonara

ps - i will still update my blog with things going on in Houston if you want to check back periodically.

Another shot of everybody with their christmas cracker hats on 

Our staff party for my farewell and Kent and Kaoru's birthdays. I finally broke out the Christmas crackers my mom sent me for Christmas. The package arrived late, so I had been holding on to them for a special occasion. We went to Sumo - where my staff welcome party was held. 

Cool Times class dudes - smoking, drinking, and chatting about life 

Mari-sensei and Kazumasa 

Takumi and Kaoru (our new assistant manager) 

Tomohiko, Kayoko, and Kai 

In the background - Tomohiko, Kayoko, Mari-sensei, Kazumasa, and Natsuyo. In the foreground - crazy Yukiko, Kito-kun, and Kai-kun 

Times class. Love them!! I'll miss our chats about politics, medicine, and transvestites!! 

The cool kids!! 

Yumi, other student, and I 

Look at that spread. The food was scrumptious - pasta, pizza, salads, and who could forget - french fries and fried chicken (the perfect italian buffet) 

Random party shot - Masatoshi is facing the camera 

Funny guys from Viewpoint 

Akira in the tux (just came from two weddings - he was a real trooper to show up!) and Jun 

Yasuo on the left and I'm not sure who the other student is - sorry, i don't teach him 

A more normal pic of Yuki and I. Congrats Yuki on your job!! 

I know I look like a complete freak, but this was too funny. Yuki and I. See that pretty necklace - a gift from one of my very nice students (Natsuyo) 

Akiko and Hideyo

Mioko (my former student) and Kent (one of the Japanese teachers) 

My student is on the left - Kenji - he's the sweetest Buddhist in Okazaki!! 

Mr. Imai and his daughter - who is completely obsessed with that phone 

Miho and Shinji (my pig farmer student) - they are so sweet