Hi

It’s been a while since I posted in English last time. So I decided to write in English about my update.

This is Eclair. She is now called Aloha and lives with my colleague, Peter sensei. She went to live with his family along with one of her siblings three years ago. At first I wanted to keep her myself. But I have already 20 something cats, so it’s much better to be taken good care of by someone who really loves her. 

So she is doing really fine now. She is a great friend to his mother-in-law, and spends most  of the time in her room at her side. It seems that Eclair provides a lot of care and friendship to her. I believe cats are really loyal. Some people say that cats are selfish or more independent of their owners than dogs. But I think they are different in expression of love and affection to their owners from the way dogs do. 

                           

My problem at my workplace seems settled to some degree. They have realized that I am only capable of doing what I have been doing all the time since I was employed there: taking care of Tokyo and Kyoto Universities candidates. 

I will say they are quite unique set of students. They must be very clever, of course. But not only that but they need to be independent and if they do not feel persuaded they have to challenge even teachers’ opinions. I don’t think students who are only obedient and listen to teachers’ lesson quietly can make Tokyo University students. 

Mind you, if some students really want to try to get into Tokyo University and make efforts, that will be beautiful. But at the same time, I have been watching some students working too hard or much beyond their capacities and as a result ending up with depression or ill health. I don’t want such cruel efforts made by students. The ideal group of candidates should be: they have their own opinions and the opinions themselves are to the point, very close to the truth everyone agrees with. And they should be able to express themselves without any fear of criticism, because they are truthfully persuaded by their correctness. Such students are insightful, and I always more than respect them and adore their intelligence, to the degree of envy and jealousy. I have met many such students. And  I always think if only I had that amount of brains!  

That is why, even if I have many complaints about the workplace, I cannot leave it. 

The school administrative stuff decided to change my contract into the former one: I am going to continue work there, but as a part-time teacher. I do not have the quality of teaching and taking care of students’ micellaneous at the same time. What I can do best is teach them, teach them really painstakingly difficult stuff in English. That is all. If that is a good enough reason to employ me, go ahead. For the other part of ordinary, but at the same time, time consuming care of students’ personal life, forget it. I am not good at doing that. 

                             

As for another cat, Noir, she came back to my house from a breeder’s place. She is also doing fine relaxing in my room (nursery for Kiseki). She is also very tender and the type who lies quietly beside you when you wake up. I am happy to be surrounded by so many good-natured animals!

Well, I hear that it is really deadly hot today. You really take care, otherwise, you might end up in a hospital bed! (Or worse, in a coffin!!!!) Drink much water, eat nice food and take everything easy. Life is short, and you can run it only once. Why not relax and enjoy it then?

Love to my readers! Ciao!