September Sights...

This month was a bit too much of the daily grind- and everyday living...not much excitement in terms of being 'blog-worthy.' So, I've been extra quiet on my blog this month. But looking back through my photo album for the month, a few gems stand out and I can give a quick recap of the month's happenings.
First of all, I decided to extend my work contract through June of 2014. It makes the most sense for me, for reasons that I don't need to bore you with. But also I'm not quite ready to leave Japan, and I need time to think about my big future plans, and that is better done if I am still working, rather than roaming and unemployed!
So, I will be home for two weeks in November to visit and catch up with you!

This month I exercised, spent lots of time with close friends, taught Zumba classes, took more responsibilities on at work, and did a few local day excursions.

The beach-lined coast is about an hour's train ride from my apartment, and I headed out there to explore a small island- of course with its food shops, restaurants, and signature temple. It also had a rocky coastline that was perfect for self-timer photos :)

And a view of Fuji-San in the distance...

My apartment friends have become just as obsessed with Zumba as I am, and so every 4-5 days we all meet in the fitness room for a sweaty hour of dancing fun! This cartoon was drawn by one apartment friend for the magazine he contributes articles to.

 Another apartment friend is taking classes at a design school- specifically in traditional kimono fitting- with a modern fashion twist. He's preparing for a competition, so he was trying out a more avant-garde hair style (think Elizabethan era, or Maleficent!). The kimono is traditional wedding wear...

Climbing Takao-San-this time with two awesome co-workers. Lisa (in red) a former high school English teacher from LA area, and Lisa (in purple) a wacky lady from London who lived in Hong Kong and Beijing teaching English. Here we are, enjoying a smooth tasting local Sake at the top!

My apartment mates organized a football day! I could only join them for the Japanese League game in the evening- Yokohama (my city) in blue, red and white vs. Osaka, in pink and blue. The teams tied at 1-1. The drumming section for both teams was raucous and I started chanting along with them as the cheers repeated over and over again!

Another photo shoot- working with Naoya (on the left) and Yuma (on the right). Naoya is the moody 10-year-old who drags his heels when completing most tasks, but as soon as you start talking about geography and bring out an i-pad to do research, he perks up- a bit!

Yuma is five now and a fluent reader- 3rd grade level! She loves being girly and is into fairy stories, and she enjoys playing "school" where she is the teacher to a group of stuffed animals.