Fare Thee Well

Like all things living abroad has it's advantages and disadvantages.
Although you get befriend people from all over the world you also, for the most part, have to part with them in a short time.
With that said I would like to bit farewell to:


Tao

Michelle

Wes
Take care and good luck in Shanghai!

In only a few weeks both Rebecca and I will be saying our final good-byes to many a friend and co-worker.
It's strange to think of life outside of this country.
At times it feels like I have always been here... and then again it feels like I'm still trying to find my way.

Either way I look forward to all that lies ahead...


Wonderful Brisbane

Good News Abounds

As my cousin Brian was quick to point out, "It's been a life-affirming weekend."
This of course came right after he informed me of his impending nuptials with long-time girlfriend Lucy.
There was also the addition of Grace Addison Markhardt to the family.
Congratulations to cousin Heather and husband Kyle!

Over here in J-Pan it was a weekend of good-byes as Rebecca and I were out in Osaka saying good-bye to Wes, Tao, and Michelle.
Yaki-niku (beefy table BBQ) and Karaoke were in order. It was a successful night (the rocks stayed in the garden and out of our eyes... I reckon the copious amounts of booze prevented any rocks, stones, and even pebbles from making their way into our sockets).
All three will however be missed. Good luck in Shanghai... hopefully we'll meet again soon.

I shall leave you with some fun pictures from my school's sports day (last Friday).
The first is of one of my favorite first year students. Second one is of a few of my fellow teachers. And the last is of my groups leader and another great student (one with the trophy).

Takahisa

Yuasa V. Suzuki

Champions

Over the next few months

I am leaving Japan.
I am leaving for good. Will I ever be back? Will I ever be allowed?
Who knows and, for right now, who cares.

My focus is on the future.
On August 11th I will be leaving this country for my homeland, the Heartland, Rockford, Illinois.
On September 6th I will be married to Rebecca Tarragano of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
We will be leaving the states on September 22nd for our honeymoon through Europe and Thailand.
It's gonna be mint.

So... as of late I have been wondering about how we are going to travel through Europe... train? Bus? Plane? it's not easy choosing which is cheapest...

So anyways, that's where my mind is as of late.
I know this is a bit boring... but I have to start somewhere.

Somethings never die

Dearest Blogger,
I'm sorry I ever left you.
I hope that in the next few months, possibly years, I can make it up to you.
I did stray. I was unkind. I tried to get into "xanga" and all the others... but in my heart I knew it was you I was meant to be with.
Let's start afresh from today.
Just you and me.
What do you say?

Love,
Danny