January

 I think the theme for January was getting used to things. Getting used to this house, getting used to getting up early, getting used to going to the other city to teach, getting used to the community centers that we use.  At lot of things to get used to!

It's been a lot harder to get used to this house than I thought it would. Until we moved here we referred to the house as Oba Chan's, grandma's, then it was the house in the town where we live. I asked the kids to stop calling it Oba Chan's. I have to push to say "home" as it doesn't feel like home! It still feels strange! When we go shopping I still think we will be going back to the old house, so when David or Mikey turn to come here I wonder why, then realize that we no longer live in the old house!  

This house has a lot of problems still. We need a lot of money to make it really liveable. If I had the money I would take it down and rebuild but that is a pipe dream. One of my biggest worries is if the house is still sturdy. In the past 32 years, since the house was built, there have been a few earthquakes and even more typhoons, have these had an impact on the house. After the earthquake we had in January I checked the outside walls and foundations, there are a few cracks from before, fortunately they haven't got any longer but I don't know if they are any deeper!  

Then there is all the cosmetic things I would love to do. Changing the kitchen to make it more functional, having a bathroom that can be warmed up, finding ice crystals in the shampoo is not fun!  Also the toilet needs to be changed.  Plus the windows need to be updated, there is so much condensation in all the rooms!  

Getting up early isn't that hard, it's not really early, about 6:30. Christopher has started a new job, I know I don't have to get up and make his breakfast but I like to! The job isn't difficult but he has to walk 40 minutes to get there. Most of the roads are country roads, so no street lights in the evenings. It's a bit of a worry as there are no pavements either. He has a reflector strip but I'm wondering if he needs something more!

Then there is the commute to work. I don't have to go everyday, 3 or 4 days a week. But I only have one lesson each time. I sit reading or studying. But I feel it such a waste of my time. I would love to get some more students, try to fill up my time! If I don't then I'll try to put everyone on the same day!

February has come in with an awful rain storm, plus heavy snow is forecast for next week!  We need to get some of the land ready for planting. I'm hoping by the end of the month to have vegetables in, also I'm looking a growing herbs!

Couple of cat photos to finish!

Fluffy sitting on my cookbook, I had to keep moving her to read the recipe

Sam being cute!