I do have a fairly valid reason.
I've started a new newspaper column in the big local paper here in Shimane.
The column is called "Kiddo Sensei no San-in Eigo Juku" or "Mr. Kidd's San-in English School", and it's a pretty cool deal. Each week, I select a theme, and from Monday to Saturday, I introduce a key word or phrase related to that theme. I include a short explanation, and sometimes sneak in a little bit of information about the differences between Japanese and English.
Then, on Sunday, I write a 150-word English passage (in simple, junior high school level English) that uses those keywords and phrases to describe a facet of the San-in Region. You can find the articles I've written so far here.
Another cool thing? My articles are in the top weekly and monthly rankings on the site.
One more cool thing? This time, they asked me.
I've also been touring around a few temples in the Kansai area. If you're interested, here are some pictures.
