So while I was off at my CELTA class, it turns out there was a
very large earthquake up north. Weighing in at 7.2, it's a little weaker than the Kobe quake and quite weaker than the Szechuan quake, which was a 7.8. Still, anything over 7 is something to be taken seriously, and this quake is responsible for broken bridges, landslides, and at least 6 deaths.
But not mine. So if you heard "BIG EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN!" and thought, quite naturally, I'd expect, "I wonder if Chris is all right?" let me allay your fears - I am nowhere near where the quake hit. You may go about your business....