Take 'er easy...

Well, that's it...

I said good-bye to Japan America Learning Center today as well as to some of the wonderful students who have filled it's classrooms for so many years. Because of their generous gifts, life in Japan will be much easier. For instance, I will be shielded from rain drops, able to wake up on time to enjoy my favorite tea before class (^ ^)\/, and have unfamiliar surroundings set a glow late at night. After many pictures and well-wishes, I stood up straight and set off determined to focus on something other than the move -- my New York Mets.

You know, it's going to be really tough to leave them behind, seeing as though the gap in the National League East seems to be growing more and more every day. Anyone remember the division lead the Mets had in '86?

I know, I know... Believe me, I'm knocking on wood. Such musings can only tempt ill fate as per folks in my circle. But wouldn't it be cool?


My life-long friend Joe has made it a point to order me out of the room, or to the concession stands any time the Mets have the chance to put runs on the board; most notably when the former Met great, Mike Piazza, covered the plate with his mighty shadow. I will admit that his record number of homeruns as a catcher may not have been possible had I not felt the need to spend 25 minutes in line for a Mets' cap sundae. But the one time I didn't get up to grab a dog, I was able to catch Cliff Floyd greeting the yankees during his first at-bat with the following...

You can even see the ball flying off his bat, on its way out of the park! But the homerun isn't as priceless as the look on the guy's face who's sitting a few rows down from us. With all of this in mind, you might assume that the Mets have benefited from me staying or going...

So perhaps my time in Japan will produce something, dare I say, Amazin'?

Only time will tell...

But now the game is over, and the air that escapes me echoes throughout this empty room. Staring at this glowing box while hammering on the keys beneath, I start the countdown to lift off. With only a few more things to shove into M&D's attic, I smile, realizing that it is rather poetic that the sun I will be riding off into is rising...

I'm not sure if I'll get the chance to post before the plane leaves, but if not, my best to all for safe travels and happy vacations.

Keep surfing!
Brendan