Fall Equinox

I was asked the other day, "Does America celebrate the Fall Equinox?"

I didn't have to think long to answer "No". But, why don't we celebrate the equinox, or other events of nature?

My guess, European cultural has traditonally been about conquering nature. The people of Europe needed to destroy nature to build cities. They developed religions seperating man from beast, making us special in the eyes of God. Is this still a good way to live life today?

Sure, in the US there are holidays where we do seasonal things, like BBQ or eat the fall harvest, but we don't celebrate things like blooming flowers, changing leaves, or changing daylight cycles. These are celebrations traditionally done here in Japan. Is this kind of celebration still relevent in
today's culture?

My conclusion: the works of great men are great. They have helped build society. People like past leaders and prophets should have days dedicated to them. However, let's not forget the the natural wonders the are the basis of all life as we know it. And, I really don't think Earth Day is enough, si
nce it has little to do with the Earth's cycle and a lot to do with promoting a cleaner environment.

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つづく

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Swimming

Recently I joined an althetic club near my work, since it is the only way I can return to the pool to do some laps. Today was my third day, and I am totallyed shocked with myself. My swimming pace has dropped so much since 10 years ago. I used to be able to easily keep a pace of 1:30 for 100y freest
yle, but now I can barely push 2:00 for 100m. I have lost so much endurance, but that is to be expected. You use it or you lose it, the old saying goes.

On a different note, I applied to a job back in the states again today. I am not expecting anything, but I thought I should at least throw my hat into the ring. Honestly, I would be content to stay in Japan a bit longer. For things like this, that frame of mind is best, perhaps.

On a final note, over the past two years I have heard terrible news about the economy and job situation in the US, yet I haven't seen any signs of this here. Being in Japan working in a career building service industry, these tough times have sometimes ment good times for me. I have been training a
lot of people on how to pass interviews, take TOEIC tests, and sometimes just survive in an English speaking workplace. I often don't feel like my title of English Instructor applies anymore. It is more like American Communication Advisor.

Last, let me end with a story. Today, a student asked me, "よろしくお願いしますは英語で何ですか？" Usually students don't ask questions in Japanese, but this guy could tell I could understand... or was hoping I could. His question was asking about how to thank someone after asking them to do a job for you, especially
for subordinates to senior members. In Japanese there are two different phrases, for before someone does a request and after they have finished the request. I explained to him that in English we just say "Thank You." For example: "Would you copy this, please? Thank you." ->(later)->"You finished? T
hank you!" One of the reasons Japanese/English learning is so difficult is because it isn't just learning a new language, but learning a new way of thinking. Latin based languages all share the same history, so the way of thinking about communication is similar when compared to Japanese which shares
no cultural ties to Latin-based languages. This topic is much easiler to explain in person, so next time you see me, please ask me to explain.

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