Hello Dad,
Today is a national holiday in Japan and I’ve finally got some time to relax here. The weather is finally getting warmer and I put all my coats away yesterday. As I told you before I work for myself 2 days a week teaching English at a Japanese company (Tobacco Distributor) and I don’t have to wear a suit and tie there since there is no language company involved. That’s really nice because it gets so hot here in Japan, just about as hot as in Columbus. Only here we have to walk everywhere and by the time everyone gets to work they are soaked. I’m also still doing some work for Berkeley House but am only there about one day a week. For them, I do have to wear a tie unfortunately.
I know Easter just happened and the holidays are one thing I really miss about home. Here the holidays pass without much fanfare except for in the department stores where they capitalize on every American holiday trying to get people to buy things. The Japanese don’t have any fun holidays and when they do have a holiday it is usually spent sleeping.
Mom says you are going to have a computer expert come to the house to fix all that is wrong. I really suggest that you get rid of AOL because it is superfluous to have both Roadrunner and AOL. I also have a very good guess as to what is wrong with the MSN instant Messenger. On one of those automatic updates that AOL does, I’m positive that it knocked out MSN. Their two messaging programs are currently fiercely competing for market share. I’m really itching to do another telemeeting. It’s just so much better than talking on the phone. Also, it helps Peanut to see that I’m doing ok and refresh her memory that I still am part of the family.
I also have one request and it is regarding my birthday present. If possible I would like to get a digital camcorder. I checked on the internet yesterday and found that a decent one can be had for $400. Then I will be able to put the video on my website and show you and the rest of the family exactly what my life is like here in Tokyo. Windows provides a free Movie Making program where I can edit the video and make it presentable. I also think it would be neat to show people like Aunt Mary how I go through a day using 4 different languages. I checked out some models online and found the Panasonic SV-AV30 which includes many gadgets and the Cannon ZR 60. But I was thinking that the tech people in the Dispatch or 10TV would have better advice as to which is the best low cost camera. Basically, I just need good video, with a lot of memory so I can shoot at least an hour or more of video.
I also had the idea to keep an Online journal and perhaps you and the rest of the family might read it from time to time and could keep tabs on me here in Tokyo. I’ll get around to starting that today or tomorrow.
I just tried calling the house, but you guys are never home! I hope to hear from you soon!
Mateo
