40 before 40 - My new macbook pro

Soooooo, I think I've mention here that my 4.5 year old macbook died on me back in mid-July. I was without a real laptop until the end of August when I bought this baby. Ugh, this was the most expensive thing I have ever purchased in my life!! Apple, seriously, this Pro better survive for more than five years or else I'm going back to PCs.... heh, I'm so kidding. I love Macbooks. I can't see myself using a PC again.

I'm such a gadget girl. I really would like to own an iPad, but I'm not in love with the weight; it's pretty heavy. Rumors say that a mini may come out sometime next year. If so, then I'll be on it! It would be nice to have a small tablet while traveling to surf the web or read a book/magazine. Even more useful for my commute to and from work!

life in Japan via iphone photos

from left to right

• It's the year of the dragon! This was made by students at my smallest JHS.
• Two weeks ago, one of my students asked me if I have ever visited a pâtissier shop called, "Tanpopo." I said, "no." She was so~ disappointed because her parents runs the shop.  To make her happy, I told her that I would visit the place right after school. She and her friends tried their best to tell me where it's located, but their words were getting nowhere, so they drew me a map. Clever. I met her mother and she was really sweet. I bought a few things and she gave me a freebie.
• Our annual "Friendship Day" in my town. English teachers from various countries living in the town teach a group of elementary students about their country, play games and cook a specialty meal from one of the countries. The flags shown represent the nationalities that were present. (Canada and New Zealand aren't shown fully.)
• The specialty meal that was made was German. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of meal, but it was so delicious!!!! We ate it along with French bread. Yummy.
• The sunset in my lovely town.
• Yes, my students love me. (That's good to know.) This was written by a 15 yr old boy, by the way. It got a few laughs from the other students in the class. My name in Japanese characters is ダイアナ, but it's spelt out as Daiana. I guess that's why the kid wrote it in Japanese (he wasn't sure how I spell my name.)
• This a from last weekend in Nichinan.
• This one as well.
• The view from the second floor at one of my schools. it seems that winter has disappeared again. It was a warm 19ºC (66ºF) with clear skies.
• So, I went to Tanpopo for the second time two days ago and the mother was so happy to see me again. This time, I was able to meet her husband. She then gave me this figure, which is geared towards the upcoming Girl's Day holiday. It's so cute!
• My guys (my 2nd favorite Japanese rock group, B'z) are releasing their first new single of the new year on April 4th. It's called Go For It, Baby! And I love it! It's currently featured in the PEPSI NEX CM (commercial).  

life in Japan via iphone photos

from left to right

• the kanji (Chinese character) that means "smile" is written on a large wooden out at one of my schools. 
• GLAY - my utmost favorite Japanese band ever. I absolutely love this 2012 daily calender ♥ You know I'm in love with these guys, right? If I ever have the chance to meet them, I would die on the spot!  I recently got elected to purchase concert tickets from their fan club for their performance in Tokyo at the Budokan this April!! I. CANNOT. WAIT.
• my "piggy bank." I've been saving all of my ¥500 (about $6) coins for more than two years. Saving up for a 30th birthday celebration vacation during the summer.
• dinner with Japanese friends last Saturday. Pictured is a crab and shrimp stew... and we ate a whole lot of other stuff!
• badges that my junior high school students made. Wish I had at least 10% of their artistic ability.
• i don't like to drink alcohol, however, I do love to drink chu-hi, which is a favored Japanese alcoholic drink. I only drink about a can a month though.
• i love to eat takoyaki! It's pretty much dumplings with a piece of octopus inside it -  Hey! don't knock it until you've tried it! My Japanese friends and I made these and we got pretty experimental. Along with the octopus, we added potato, kimchi, tuna and even pineapple separately into each ball. They were delicious!!! We also played a little game by adding a lot of tabasco sauce into one of the balls, randomized it and then we anxiously ate one-by-one until someone had the misfortune of eating that fireball. heh... at least it wasn't me!
•  two more Japanese friends and I went to the onsen this past Sunday. I love going to the onsen (hot springs), especially when it's freezing cold like it is now.
• our lunch that afternoon. This was only the appetizer and it was sooooooo good!!
• we stopped by Mac Donald's for some coffee. All these American city burgers that are out are so huge!! I would never eat them.