BS: Working (at last) in Guam

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Nov 06 - 03:20 AM

curently, I don't edit! Maybe I might, one day. Maybe ...

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 11 Nov 06 - 09:00 PM

I've been having great fun laughing at "demotivational" posters online. You can see some of them at this website.

This morning Wakana and I made our usual Sunday morning call home. Dad is working on a model of the slave chaser (a British ship that enforced the anti-slave trade laws) Fair Rosamunde. He is making all the parts himself but was having a difficult time with the deadeyes. I ordered him some from a modeling company in Searsport (Maine). It will be his early birthday present.

Christmas is coming and I haven't started my shopping yet. I am running out of time. PANIC!

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 07:14 PM

Big news on Guam! The Hagatna Shopping Center now hosts a new SM store and a new theater! Of course, I have no idea what they might sell in an SM store. Whips, chains, black leather, and latex come to mind but I doubt that is what we will find in there.

The theater is supposed to be very nice and I DO know what happens there.

Wakana's birthday is on Monday and she has forbidden me from buying her a present. I do not plan on following her strictures. In the months previous to this she has been very clear on what she wants and I intend to provide. She's getting an electric chain saw.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 08:31 PM

all wrapped up in pretty paper, & decorated with lovely bows, I hope!

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 11:12 PM

Studded with diamonds, I hope!

Good-bye jungle...

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Nov 06 - 02:47 AM

I might be able to do the paper, not so sure about the bows. Definitely no diamonds.

I went Christmas shopping today. I went up to Marianas Handicrafts where we usually buy gifts. We've spent a lot of money in that store and the owner always greets us happily when we arrive. The place is chock full of all manner of hand made crafts from the islands, wood carving, shell necklaces, baskets and woven bags, sarongs, etc. Those of you who got a shell lei from us on our travels have received the benefits of Marianas Handicrafts.

Typical of a male shopper I went in, selected a bunch of stuff and walked out. The owner followed me around and every time I picked something up she would say "That's $4.95 but I can give it to you for $2.50." The ceiling is hung with wood and bamboo wind chimes that hang down shoulder high on me. Consequently she could keep track of where I was in the store by the ringing of the chimes.

As for the stuff I bought I will divvy it up among the people I need to send gifts to and then go back for more if I need to. I also need to go to Butler's to get the larger baskets I like to send home. Anybody want one?

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 01:11 PM

It's 3:30 AM and I am awake again. Lately I haven't been able to sleep past this time. It makes the days hell. I don't know what the problem is but I toss and turn and my head begins to ache from the pressure of the pillow. Ugh.

Just so you know, Wakana loves her chain saw. She told everyone what she got for her birthday and then had to explain the she did REALLY want one.

Wakana and I have been enjoying the vicious art of (sometimes) malignant gossip. It is something we do only between ourselves. We have been talking about our students. I have one student, she's 28 and has a killer body and knows it. She is gorgeous. She's one of those women I refer to as "magazine women". She dresses in very sexy clothing. Her hair is permed and hangs across half her face. She seems to peek out from the mass of brunette curls shyly and while speaking in a quiet little girl voice.

This woman infuriates Wakana. She has no depth which is why I refer to her as a magazine woman. This is the kind of woman who has relied on her looks to get what she wants. She peeks out from behind her hair and looks sulky and men fall all over themselves giving her what she needs. Unfortunately she has run into a snag at Liberal Academy. We (the men) are both happily married and aware of our professional responsibilities. Dan, the Olympic swimmer and VP, is single but is aware of the repercussions of starting a relationship with a student. Besides he gets plenty of interest from women who will not wreck his attachment to the school. Chris, our other male English teacher is happily married to a woman who is a full professor at the university. She makes so much money that he can do whatever he wants as work. Consequently he will be a brewer and manager at the Mermaid when it reopens, he works at the public radio station, he is taking Japanese classes and masters level classes at the University, and he puts in a few hours at our school. He's just too damn busy to be able to do anything with a student.

And then there's me. I love to look. As long as she wants to dress that way I'll appreciate the view. But I see her the same way I see a national park, like the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is wonderful to look at but, really, would you want to own one? Besides, as I said, the woman has no depth of character and that's where the real beauty lies. So I look, I appreciate, and then I go home to a real woman and that makes me happy. It makes her happy too. Especially when we talk about that student and how sad her life must be.

And she does have a sad life, in my opinion. She is nearing the end of the time where she can dress that way and act that way and still pull it off. Everyone who truly looks good gets there eventually. The real people are those who realize it and either do something about or compensate by changing their lifestyle. But we've all known those who do not realize that their sexy youth is over. They continue to try to pull off the sexy act well into their not-so-sexy years. She is one of them. The outfit she was wearing yesterday clearly showed that, tight black top that opened to show a lot of cleavage and rode high to reveal her navel, a black micro mini skirt, and white high heeled boots. At the back, showing above the waist of the skirt you could see she was wearing a thong or g-string. And above that her curves are not clear anymore.

She is at the point where she needs to quit playing and apply herself intellectually if she is going to succeed in finding a career and properly bringing up her daughter. Yes, she has a kid, living in Japan with her parents.

Like the Grand Canyon, she looks good but the wear and tear is starting to show. And she has no future but to try to catch a man to take care of her. Sad...

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 07:11 PM

I didn't mention Wakana's take on this student. What I wrote above is a distillation of a recent conversation between us about this student (our gossiping). Wakana is, I think, appalled at the woman's lack of depth. She is very superficial in Wakana's opinion. Wakana believes, as do I, that a person's real beauty comes from a person's heart and actions. In this our student is seriously lacking. As I said before, very sad, but I have seen it so many times in the past I should be inured to it.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 10:25 PM

Brett-

You may not have noticed but the Grand Canyon has lots of depth!

LOL

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: GUEST,charlie
Date: 20 Nov 06 - 10:33 PM

yes,cool thread Brett,but things have a way of working out sometimes.Life kinda rounds out the rough edges.She will find her own in her good time.I myself was a dapper youth,full of vim and vigor,and at 28,lookout! I have matured,of course,and now at 53, things have changed.
My fondest memories remain with Guam, that fine island of happy and kind people,what fun it was.
p.s. I was very distraught to hear Appomattox was a recreation.I swear there was no mention of that during the tour,and I took tons of video,the Mclean house is a fake?

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 04:36 AM

The Mclean house is a detailed copy so it could be considered a fake. The original was lost to history because of a fouled up businessman's idea and lack of funding. Many of the other buildings are original but the courthouse is also a copy. The original burned in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Sorry about that.

The student is stepping up the attack. Today she showed me photos of herself taken a few years ago, nude photos. They are very tasteful and artistic, not amateur night with a Polaroid, but still. I think I need to talk to her about her role in a school and our role as her teachers.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 05:54 AM

Yikes! Sounds as though she does need to be spoken to, Brett. Good luck with that.

mainly wanted to let you know I am still reading with great delight and interest. Congrats on your wrist!

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 08:37 AM

But then again the vast depths of the Grand Canyon are the product of erosion.

Perhaps some lady/woman at the school should kindly take this student aside and make some discrete suggestions about more appropriate role behavior.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 08:48 AM

Danger, Brett!!! This seems to be an open, not subtle, suggestion. I would suggest you get together with your employer and discuss how to handle this. I would not want to have any conversation with this woman without others around. To do so opens you up to accusation.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Amos
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 10:35 AM

Wise and wily, for such a young guy, Mick!!! Been around the block a few times, have we?? :D


A

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 06:32 AM

It's funny what news brings out the comments... Appreciate the heads up. I think, and I stress the word 'think', I have it under control. Wakana and I will talk to the boss after Thanksgiving. I'm not a fool. My wife is involved in helping me find a solution.

Thanks for the good wishes on the wrist. I managed to play all the way through Don't Think Twice tonight. My wrist is stiff and motion is limited but the wounds are healing nicely and the fingers still work. My right palm has lost all its tough skin. It is very soft and sensitive. It feels weird.

One of our co-workers invited us to join them at the Hilton for the Thanksgiving buffet. Wakana knows a few of the people who will be there and it will be a chance to get to know this co-worker and her husband better. She is very interesting. She is Burmese (she doesn't use the name Myanmar). She learned English, studied it and has taught ESL in Burma and the United Arab Emirates. Her English teachers were British so she has the most fascinating accent, part Brit and part Burmese. Wakana and I like her a lot.

Tonight, on my way home from work I stopped in at Payless to buy some groceries. It was crowded with people buying their last minute supplies for the big feast day. I tend to lose track of time and then the holidays sneak up on me. But after the rush and madness of a grocery store on the day before Thanksgiving I found myself in a holiday mood.

My boss has a friend who runs a used car lot. I asked him to keep an eye out for a diesel. Now he has one. I've been dreaming of getting a diesel so I can burn waste vegetable oil in it. Now it is time to put my money where my mouth is.

The car is a 1983 Mercedes Benz 240D. It's in fair condition. The body is in pretty good shape but it does have a few spots of bubbled rust. I need to do some serious negotiation. He wants $1500 for it but I think he thinks it is a 1993. Mercedes quit importing the 240D into the USA in 1983 and quit building them in 1985 according to Wikipedia. Of course, I have little faith in that source. It also says that most of the taxis in Africa are 240Ds. It claims they are built like tanks and will run forever. This one has about 171,000 miles on it.

Does anyone know anything that can either support the Wikipedia entry or debunk it?

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 06:53 AM

By the by, gang, I hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving Day. For those of you in cold climates I hope the day slips by with no bad weather. Actually I hope you all have fine weather and a lovely time no matter where you are and who surrounds you. Raise your glasses and voices and live free and happy.

I give thanks for you and your interest in these words of mine. It has kept me working at recording this new life I've started. I never was one to keep a journal but telling my friends about my life on this remote island has kept me at it far longer than any other journal has lasted. Happy Turkey Day!

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Amos
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 09:24 AM

"Mercedes-Benz first introduced the High Mileage Award in the 1960s to recognize the many Mercedes-Benz vehicles that routinely travel hundreds of thousands of miles — some even eclipsing the million-mile mark.

The current Mercedes-Benz High Mileage champ is Gregorios Sachinidis, a Greek taxi driver who holds the known record of more than 2.8 million miles in his 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D.

The latest Mercedes-Benz to be recognized for surpassing the one-million-mile mark is a 1970 280SE acquired for the Mercedes-Benz Museum Collection from its original owners, George and Luzstella Koschel of Orange County, California. The Koschels bought the car new and drove it for 1,019,000 miles. "

From the MB site.

As far as I see on a quick perusal there are no 240Ds later than the early 80's, although othe rmodels go forward from there.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 03:10 PM

Thanks Amos. I think it is probably a pretty good deal. If he really believes it to be a '93 then I may be able to negotiate a lower price based on the "extreme age" of the vehicle. If he's sharp enough to know what a 240D is capable of then the price won't budge.

Because I am teaching English as a foreign language I have become more aware of the complexities of my mother tongue. Most of us go through life barely considering how complicated and wonderful English can be. Take some time and look up how many idioms are used in English. Talk to a friend for a short time, recording the conversation and then look up your words, one at a time, in an on-line idiom dictionary. It's amazing.

Then there are the words that came to English from other languages. I have a list of Japanese words I like to use with my beginning Japanese students. The list includes typhoon, tsunami, kimono, karate, bonsai, sushi, etc. They love the idea that there are familiar words in English. Of course, that's the last familiar thing they get to see.

The main difficulty they have is pronunciation, of course. Japanese has a limited number of sounds. All vowels always sound exactly the same way. All the consonants (except 'n') are accompanied by vowels.   Some words are made up of one or two vowels. That makes 47 sounds in Japanese and that's all they get. So, their version of the alphabet starts with the vowels, a, i, u, e, o, (their order) and starts with the consonants next, ka, ki, ku, ke, ko, sa, shi, su, se, so, etc. CObine that with the fact that you start learning them in Romaji, then Hiragana, then Katakana and you have a full task on your hands.

Yet that is simplicity itself for Japanese who are then faced with English. Considered the difference between the hard sounds of some of our consonants and the soft sounds. Plus they have no 'r'. One of my toughest lessons (for my students) is to get them to pronounce 'ray'. And the pinnacle of success is the word 'really'.

Japanese also has no 'th or 'v'. Adding to the complexity is the fact that the 'th' has two sounds (soft and hard), easy for a native speaker to hear but almost impossible for a new speaker.

English requires the Japanese student to learn how to use more of his/her vocal equipment. You could conceivably speak Japanese only using the front of your mouth with very little lip movement. But English requires the whole set of equipment (from the throat up to the nose and forward to include the teeth and lips) to work in a coordinated process.

All of that pales in comparison to the words that make our language one of the toughest to learn. And there are tons of words that look completely different but sound exactly the same. There are words that have exactly the same meaning but different uses. There are multiple phrases for one use. There are subtle differences in use of completely different words that cannot be used together. There are other words that have to be used together. Sigh, I am amazed at how much work my students face and how much they enjoy the challenge.

One of my current students, Kaori, is a real challenge. She's the same age as my daughter Kelli. She's sharp as a tack and determined to conquer this language. And she has done very well. Before she came to me she had a good command of English and my challenge has been to find the things she doesn't know and teach those. It's fun to present a new concept, watch her puzzle it out, present her with examples, then see the light dawn. Then there is the dismay when I ask her to use the new concept in sentences! Her gaze turns inward, she ponders, I may have to prompt her with conditions that would allow the use of the concept, and then slowly, hesitantly, she brings out a sentence that is usually correct. Cheers and applause and we continue with another sentence. I love it.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 05:34 PM

Happy Turkey Day, Brett and Wakana!

I saw about a dozen of the wild birds patroling a field in neighboring Dresen as I drive down to see mother at the farm today. They really look right at home. Pity I didn't have a 22 with me!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 07:07 PM

I went to see Dr. Landstrom yesterday about my wrist. He gave me some stretching exercises, approved my other self assigned exercises, approved my playing the guitar, and told me not to wear the wrist brace anymore. He also said I can go back into the water! Life is good!

He says my wrist is not quite back to normal nor will it ever be. But I can get back to the things I like to do.

I am almost there on buying the 240D. The dealer had to fix the trunk lid and when they drove it to the garage they found the clutch master cylinder was bad. So they had to replace that too. I hope to take possession soon.

There is a lot going on in Guam this weekend. Yesterday there was a dance festival in Tumon. Today there is a Japanese Festival in Ipao and the island wide Christmas party at Skinner Plaza. Not sure yet what we are going to do. I think I'll go talk to Wakana...

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 07:45 AM

Just another lazy Saturday on Guam. It was cloudy all day. We headed out about 3:00 to go to the pharmacy and the Japanese Autumn Festival at Ipao Beach Park. We'd gone to it last year and enjoyed ourselves though we'd arrived too early to see any of the really fun stuff on stage. This year we decided to go later in the day.

As we prepared to leave the house the clouds that had threatened all day finally opened up and it poured rain. We waited and, as it usually does in Guam, the shower passed.

I had bought a pair of windshield wipers for Wakana (yeah, ain't I a romantic!) and I stuck them on to her car. It began raining as we headed down the hill. Wakana was fascinated by how well the new wipers worked. She kept turning them on and exclaiming about how clean the window was. She's so funny.

The rain let up for the festival. They had apparently gotten some of it but there were lots of people there and the stage was working well. We wandered around the grounds. Last year Wakana had been able to buy some used Japanese novels at the festival and she hoped to do so again. Unfortunately that booth only had Japanese comic books and they are not her cup of tea.

We met the vice-principal of the Japanese School on the grounds and he appeared happy to see me. He told me I could come back if I wanted... I do want to go visit the kids and drop off a holiday card. I also want to show them that I finally got rid of the cast.

We also ran into two of the families we had our Hilton Thanksgiving dinner with as well as one of Wakana's students and one of mine. It was nice to go somewhere and meet up with people we knew.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 03:19 PM

My life certainly is taking some interesting turns lately. Our second GED student arrived. The first I've already described complete with the nude pictures. She is 28. This second student is a 15 year old boy!

Tatsuro is a pleasure to work with. He is sharp and wants to learn. He has a good sense of humor and is working hard. The kid is, as almost every fifteen year old kid is, painfully ignorant of the world and the people in it. When I asked what he does in his free time he just says he "uses internet". He has a diary he keeps on the web (a BLog!) and he writes in it every day.

The other GED "student" has revealed her true colors. She has pretty much given up on actual studying. She rarely attends classes. The boss doesn't seem to care and we have no evaluation method for keeping the students on track so I guess we just let her do what she wants to do. At least she is no longer trying to influence us (men) with her sexuality. And she is still easy on the eyes.

One of Wakana's students, LA, asked me to give her an English lesson. She wanted me to help her with her writing. I agreed reluctantly. After all she is from Canada, the daughter of a Croat father and a Caribbean mother. Her English is very good. Well, the problem was not her English but her confidence. Someone had criticized something she had written and she took it to heart. LA is a very personable and talented woman. She designs and makes jewelry, takes beautiful pictures, writes copy for her catalog, wants to write professionally, and finances it all by dancing at on of the local strip clubs. (Guam has a lot of strip clubs. Between the military and the male tourists there is a large clientele.) So I took the assignment as an effort to reassure her that her style and word use was fine.

And it is. I did not have to exaggerate. She is a very talented writer. We reviewed her descriptions of the jewelry she designs and sells. We talked of other things she could write about and possible markets. I gave her an old English composition text I had lying around and suggested she look at the Writer's Market for ideas on what to publish where. We had a very enjoyable "lesson" in a nice coffee shop. I think she will do well.

I got home yesterday and found that the air conditioner wasn't working. I checked it out. It is a 'split' unit with a cooling unit inside and the compressor outside on the wall. The fan on the outdoor compressor wasn't turning. Sigh. At least we are into the cooler "dry" season. I put that word in quotes because there are two seasons in Guam, the wet season and the not-so-wet season. It poured rain last night… several times.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 01:59 AM

Today I volunteered to photograph the swim meet on Saturday morning. It is an international race with participants coming from Japan and Guam and other nations. I get to swim out and take pictures of the racers as they swim past. Should be fun.

I went out to view the course today. I was told the buoys were in place but I couldn't see them. I better call Dan and find out if he knows there are no buoys.

I mentioned back on November 22 that I was looking at a Mercedes diesel. Just so you know, I don't have the car yet. The dealer keeps putting me off. He volunteered to fix the clutch master cylinder. Still not done. He says it will be tomorrow....

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 03:38 PM

STILL don't have the car even though I now own the damned thing. But now it's registered and insured and inspected. I pick it up today. Good thing. My Buick died last night. It's been leaking power steering fluid from the power steering pressure switch. Last night I added fluid and drove home. By the time I got there the power steering reservoir was nearly empty.

Anyone want to volunteer to be my buyer for car parts? I generally can't get them here on the island without ordering them. I ordered a new switch and brake pads for the Mercedes last night. It will probably be a month before they get here.

I used my class time with Tatsuro to get the insurance and registration done. We talked in the car. He saw more of Guam than he's seen since coming here. And every place we stopped I encouraged him to speak to the people around us. Poor kid.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Dec 06 - 03:11 PM

Yesterday, December 6, was our second anniversary. We didn't do much to celebrate. She worked late and came home to a dinner of fiesta food from the Chamorro Village. We were both too tired to do anything more than watch the tube and go to sleep early.

This has been a very busy time at work. I feel like I'm working full time. It's difficult to keep my students grouped in compatible classes. One student keeps asking for a different time. She is a temporary (tourist) student living with her sister. She is dependent on the sister for transportation. The sister has two small children and my student helps take care of them. Her schedule is not her own.

The sexy student, as I noted earlier, has given up all pretense of being a student. As such the pressure on those of us who would have been her teachers is gone and we males (except for Dan) can enjoy the show without any concern for our marital fidelity. On Monday I entered the office to see her bent over a desk writing a note. The micro-mini skirt she was wearing was too short for that kind of posture. I believe most women wear decorative panties under a short skirt. Something like that would have been better (for her) but the thong only allows a view of skin. You could call a view like that The Pacemaker because it gives the old ticker a jolt.

One of our teachers commented that she has gone into full husband hunting mode. Poor Dan. She has her sights set on him. She is bound to be disappointed. He is in full enjoy-life mode and, for him, that means lots of girlfriends, no interest in marriage.

I got my car yesterday. It's all you could expect for $1500 and less. There is a grinding sound from the passenger side, I think the rear, that indicates a pressing need for brakes and maybe a disk rotor. The steering is little more than guesswork. There is a lot of play in the steering wheel. Not sure what is wrong there but I will figure it out sooner or later. The radio, air conditioning, and most of the accessories do not work.

But it is great to drive that beast. The 240D was a terribly underpowered car. It only had 67 horsepower when it was brand new. Wakana and I went for a ride last night and she kept telling me not to drive so fast. The problem is that the car gives you the impression of speed but in reality it's not going fast at all. There was no point at which we went faster than 35 miles an hour last night.

My problem this morning is to figure out which to drive to work. The Buick leaks power steering fluid like there's no tomorrow. The Mercedes is grinding out it's brakes. Gotta decide.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 03:53 AM

I drove the Buick. If I lose steering I can get to side of the road. If the brakes fail I don't know it until just before the impact.

Gordon and I pulled off the passenger side rear wheel today. the rotor is badly scored. I don't think it can be turned. Tomorrow, or probably on the weekend I will pull it off and take it to a brake shop to see if they will turn it. If not I need a new one.

The rust is iffy. The left side hinge on the trunk lid is rusted off but the right side is OK. I found a case of oil filters in the trunk. Don't know why but they are for the car. I checked with NAPA.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 10:04 AM

Brett-

Your new car sounds like a life-time commitment. Do bring it with you for show and tell when you re-visit Maine in the spring; maybe you can shrink it down so it fits into your checked baggage.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 05:23 PM

Last night Gordon and I pulled the rear wheel off to look at the brakes. That simple job filled me with respect for the people who designed the car. The jack is tall like the old bumper jacks but it fits into a special hole in the side of the car. There's no groveling in the gravel trying to place a wobbly scissors jack under the car. The jack lifts the car easily and quickly.

The wheel is held by five lug BOLTS! I've never seen bolts used to hold a wheel. The disc caliper and rotor look like they come off easily. I am amazed and hopeful. My research on the internet indicates that parts are cheap for this beast. I'm having fun. I wish I'd discovered the Mercedes when I was younger.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 12:46 AM

I'm writing this as a student looks on. I told him about the BLog and what I was writing. Say 'hi' and he can read it tomorrow. His name is Tatsuro.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: GUEST,Greg
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 01:24 AM

Hi, Tatsuro. I have been reading Brett's adventures since he arrived on Guam. I lived there in the mid-70's and look forward to all of his posts. Although I have never met him, I feel like I know him. I believe he is probably a very good teacher. Good luck.... Greg

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: GUEST,Greg
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 01:29 AM

By the way, I am from the Hoosier State, Indiana.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 02:22 AM

By the way, Tatsuro is 15 years old.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Ebbie
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 01:18 PM

Greetings from Alaska, Tatsuro!

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: ClaireBear
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 01:55 PM

And hello from California too, Tatsuro!

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 04:51 PM

Howdy, from western Colorado, Tatsuro!

katlaughing

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 05:54 PM

Gidday from Australia

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: JudyB
Date: 12 Dec 06 - 10:49 PM

And hello from Maine, where Brett lived once upon a time.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 12:46 AM

Hallo.I am Tatsuro.Thank you for your greeting.
I`m Brett`s student and learning English in Guam.
I came Guam about three weeks ago.
Mr.Brett is such a good teacher!

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 01:12 AM

I am not all surprised. It sounds like you are doing fine.

Take a bow, Brett.

Eb

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: GUEST,Partridge
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 01:18 AM

Hello Tatsuro, from Yorkshire in the UK.

Pat x

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 07:19 AM

Before he posted his message we looked at a world map to see where all the responses came from. Even though he is a young man with a keen insight into the 21st Century he was impressed by the wide range of places from which people responded. Now if I can just get him to remember to use subject pronouns....

We went to the Micronesia Mall to see the Guam Historical Society Museum. I had told Tatsuro about Shoichi Yokoi and he wanted to know more. For those who don't know, Yokoi was the Japanese soldier who hid out in the jungles of Guam for 28 years after the American forces took it back. Tatsuro was impressed.

The other day I asked him for his definition of adventure. Typically for a young person he came up with something along the lines of tramping wild jungles with limited resources. I explained my own definition which is somewhat less harrowing. I included his adventure, at 15, leaving his native land, to live on his own, learn a foreign language, and go for a GED diploma instead of going to high school... Seems like an adventure to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 08:39 AM

gidday, again Tatsuro

Congratulations on going alone to Gaum to learn English! I hope you enjoy your adventure and your English language lessons on the beautiful island of Guam.

Brett, do you still have the PO Box you had last December?

And are we going to see you & Wakana next year? Easter is early - 6th April & tickets are selling for The 2007 National Folk Festival

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 05:06 PM

Yep, same address as last year. I'd thought of changing it because the box is a little too high for Wakana to reach but I usually check the mail anyway.

I'm afraid that we don't have the funds to make any trips this year. We are supposed to go to my nephew's wedding in June but I doubt we'll make that trip either. Besides, my friend Al has a proposition for me that I will take him up on if the opportunity really arises. He wants me to come work for him. He'll feed me but will not pay me a penny. And I am excited enough at the chance that I have seriously begun to work on my weight and muscles. It will be hard work.

Al is the one who is building a boat to travel around the islands delivering mail and medicines. And he wants me and Gordon to make the first trip. I don't have a clue how long we'll be gone but it should be at least a month. And that will be happening around the April-May time frame.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 07:51 AM

wow, my friend Brett-the-Island-Trader! when I casually drop that in conversations folks will really sit up & take notice!

what a wonderful chance for seeing interesting places & meeting new folks, keep up the good work. Besides The National happenes every year & we can wait to see you.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 01:03 PM

Brett-

I really like that scheme of boating around the islands delivering mail and legally proscribed medicines.

Err, have you seen the boat design?

Getting "in shape" is probably a good idea in any event, once your body has recovered from the various operations and affronts of the past year.

With regard to long term plans, Judy and I are considering a re-visit to glorious Australia in the fall of 2007. Sharing part of that vacation might be an option for you and Wakana to consider as well.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Ebbie
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 01:39 PM

NOw I'm confused (What's new?): Charley speaks of "proscribed" medicines. Brett speaks obliquely of 'medicines'. Are we contemplating smuggling here?

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 09:22 PM

Well, Al speaks of hauling cargo and mail, as well as doing a little smuggling and piracy. Actually it will be LEGAL medicines. And they will be going to the outer islands.

However, I have to give it all up and put a wheelchair on order. I got the news this morning that I have arthritis in my knees. They've been bothering me something fierce lately. I was afriad it as another injury but the doctor looked at the x-rays and pronounced my official geezer-dom.

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 07:07 AM

what next? Brett, you are certainly keeping the medical folks in the style to which they would like to be accustomed (or something like that)

Charley - dates in Sydney MUST include a 4th Saturday, somewhere between Feb & Nov, or I will cross you off my list of friends

Brett - I hope your order for a wheelchair won't stop you saving for an Oz visit.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Working (at last) in Guam
From: Amos
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 09:26 AM

Good show, Brett. Love the Island Trader scheme.

Three hundred!!


A