Dear James,

How’s life in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo now that you’re more fluent in Japanese? Mom insisted that I ask you when you and Machiko are getting engaged. Since you moved away mom constantly talks about wanting to be a grandmother. You’re the oldest sibling, so the pressure to get married rests on you.

The biggest change since Machiko and you were here last summer is that I have a new job with the magazine “happening today” in Toronto. While the work is not significantly different from my previous job, the salary is substantially better, and the atmosphere is more professional. Also there could be a promotion for me in the future. I hope to move from administrative work to the more challenging editorial area. If that happens, I could finally utilize my degree in English.

Another significant change in my life will make you smile because you know how focused I am on work. Your “serious sister”, as you call me, has met a wonderful man who is a freelance writer. Simon and I met in May through the magazine when he was submitting his writing portfolio for consideration. He was contracted to write an article on global marketing and consumer trends, which I helped him edit in my spare time. We have spent considerable time getting acquainted and have attended some concerts recently.

Enough about me! Mom is getting tired of commuting to Toronto for her job with the opera and thinks that the maintenance of such a large house for herself and Dad is too much. She wants to move to an apartment or townhouse in the city, but Dad is resistant to the idea because he loves the tranquility of the suburbs. I suggested they move to an apartment and buy a little cabin in the country to visit on weekends, that way dad gets to enjoy some peace and quiet. It seems like that would be a good compromise.

By the way, Dad suggested that we all visit you in December, and I’d like to bring Simon if you have no objections. Let me know soon if that will be a convenient time for you and Machiko.

Love to you both,
Maggie