Tomorrow is the last day at my school.
Tomorrow, I will say goodbye to teachers and students.
Tomorrow, I will give a speech. In Japanese.
Tomorrow, I will clean out my desk and take with me the memories of my first experience at a Japanese junior high school.
Tomorrow, I will teach a class at the public office.
Tomorrow is the last day for me to enjoy this age before I add another year ( or subtract ^_^).
Tomorrow, I should just stay in bed.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Not My Finest Moment
For those of you who know me, you know that I am the epitome of grace. Yeah, I was rolling on the floor from that, too. Anyway, some how, I hurt my back (I think playing Wii...I know, I know!). Well, earlier this winter, I bought what I thought and hoped were hand-warmers, but they are the big sticky pads that you can use for sore muscles. I decided that a sore back was the perfect use for these.
I stuck a heated pad on my lower back and went to school. I didn't think too much about it other than that I was happy that it seemed to be helping. It was still on when I started my walk home. I don't know how, when or why it happened, but somehow, the pad lost it's stickiness and started to fall. I was hoping for a quick fall so that it would just slide through my pant leg, I could pick it up and nobody would have to know anything. But nooooo, as it begins to fall down my back, it falls down my underwear. It was sticky side to my clothes, so it stopped and I couldn't move it. By this time I was walking by the park where a lot of my students were playing. (I'm so happy I had a big hoodie on). Well, I also discovered that when the padded part is in direct contact with your skin, it becomes hotter than usual. I'm sure that I was walking strange trying to avoid a burnt backside. I was very happy though when I got home and was able to take it off.
I learned my lesson though. Take it off before leaving the house or school!
That's all.
I stuck a heated pad on my lower back and went to school. I didn't think too much about it other than that I was happy that it seemed to be helping. It was still on when I started my walk home. I don't know how, when or why it happened, but somehow, the pad lost it's stickiness and started to fall. I was hoping for a quick fall so that it would just slide through my pant leg, I could pick it up and nobody would have to know anything. But nooooo, as it begins to fall down my back, it falls down my underwear. It was sticky side to my clothes, so it stopped and I couldn't move it. By this time I was walking by the park where a lot of my students were playing. (I'm so happy I had a big hoodie on). Well, I also discovered that when the padded part is in direct contact with your skin, it becomes hotter than usual. I'm sure that I was walking strange trying to avoid a burnt backside. I was very happy though when I got home and was able to take it off.
I learned my lesson though. Take it off before leaving the house or school!
That's all.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
St. Patrick's Day in Japan
On Sunday in Harajuku, there was a St. Patrick's Day Parade. I was invited by Katlin, so I thought that I should go. I was very curious as to how this would compare to anything I had seen back home.
The first thing that we noticed, was that it was definitely "Western". The atmosphere and attitude were very different from the Japanese matsuri (festivals). The parade was pretty small, but it was nice. There were groups from Ireland, Japan and the U.S.
The main difference that I noticed, was that a lot of Japanese observers would jump into the procession and try to pose with people or characters. This would hold up the line and delay the parade. I thought that this was very strange and a little rude. I don't know if they thought that this was what we normally do (in the Western world). I'm pretty sure that I haven't seen any Japanese people behave this way at a Japanese matsuri. I just thought that it was strange.
Overall, I have to say that the best St. Patrick's Day parade I've been to, it the Chicago St. Pat's parade. Where else do they dye the river green?
I'm glad to have experienced the parade. There were a lot of people who watched the parade and most of them were Westerners. It was a shock to see so many non-Japanese people. Especially people that I didn't know. As I mentioned before, our town doesn't have many foreigners. We all seem to be linked to each other, so it's a shock to see a gaijin that I don't know of.
Anyway, on Monday, it was Katlin's birthday. I didn't feel well and took the day off. She also took the day off. The weather was warm and she got a new camera for her birthday, so we decided to go for a walk. We could get fresh air AND she could experiment with her new camera. After that, we came back to my apartment and played Wii. Later, Katlin, Iggy, Nick and I went to an okonomiyaki restaurant. It was a lot of fun. It was a great way to spend the day. It was also very different from spending it with my family and eating the traditional "green food". At any rate, it was fun.
The first thing that we noticed, was that it was definitely "Western". The atmosphere and attitude were very different from the Japanese matsuri (festivals). The parade was pretty small, but it was nice. There were groups from Ireland, Japan and the U.S.
The main difference that I noticed, was that a lot of Japanese observers would jump into the procession and try to pose with people or characters. This would hold up the line and delay the parade. I thought that this was very strange and a little rude. I don't know if they thought that this was what we normally do (in the Western world). I'm pretty sure that I haven't seen any Japanese people behave this way at a Japanese matsuri. I just thought that it was strange.
Overall, I have to say that the best St. Patrick's Day parade I've been to, it the Chicago St. Pat's parade. Where else do they dye the river green?
I'm glad to have experienced the parade. There were a lot of people who watched the parade and most of them were Westerners. It was a shock to see so many non-Japanese people. Especially people that I didn't know. As I mentioned before, our town doesn't have many foreigners. We all seem to be linked to each other, so it's a shock to see a gaijin that I don't know of.
Anyway, on Monday, it was Katlin's birthday. I didn't feel well and took the day off. She also took the day off. The weather was warm and she got a new camera for her birthday, so we decided to go for a walk. We could get fresh air AND she could experiment with her new camera. After that, we came back to my apartment and played Wii. Later, Katlin, Iggy, Nick and I went to an okonomiyaki restaurant. It was a lot of fun. It was a great way to spend the day. It was also very different from spending it with my family and eating the traditional "green food". At any rate, it was fun.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Junior High School Graduation
Yesterday, I experienced my first junior high school graduation. The thing that made it more interesting, is the fact that it took place in Japan.
The jhs graduation is a very big deal in Japan. It is also very formal. The ALTs were told not to take their cameras inside because it would be considered rude. At my particular school, there was a professional photographer and then one of the teachers who were allowed to take pictures.
The graduation was nice, but it was extremely long. There were a lot of speeches and a lot of the stand up, bow,then sit exercises.
The best part of graduation was what followed the ceremony. It's tradition for the remaining students and all of the teachers to line up outside of the school. The graduating students then come through to say farewell and to accept any gifts from their club mates and class mates. The graduating students then walk through the gates of the school on to their new lives. I liked that idea.
A lot of the students said goodbye to me as they left, but a few of the students' farewells were especially memorable. For example, one of the "jocks" came up to me and shook my hand. He wouldn't let go. He was crying and repeatedly thanked me for coming to Minami. It was very touching. I finally told him that I will stay in Hasuda, so he can probably see me at LaPark. I think that calmed him down. I was very touched.
Another farewell included being mobbed by 12 girls. They all wanted pictures.
Three girls that I would "clean" with at school (we mostly talked and emptied the paper trash) went to a puri-kura (instant photo) booth and took pictures. They wrote me a letter and included one of the pictures. The letter was half Japanese and half English. In the English part of my letter, they spelled my name "Horry". I thought it was adorable, but it didn't make me feel very successful as an English teacher.
The two students that I helped in preparation for the speech contests were both accepted to prestigious schools. They both came to thank me. I have a feeling that they will accomplish amazing things.
Then, there's Kojiro and his group of soccer players. From my first day at Minami, anytime Kojiro saw me, he would give me the Hawaiian hand greeting. All of the boys who are almost always with him, would cheerfully shout "Hello!". Sometimes, they would even say "I love you, Hollie!". (They watch too many movies). So they came over for one more greeting.
I would imagine that any of the parents observing yesterday would wonder what we were up to, but I think that the parents are just happy that we are communicating and that a teacher has made a connection with their child (just a guess).
I even had a few parents talk to me. My class clown and his mother came to talk to me, too.
I was very happy for the opportunity to say goodbye to the students. That would have been adequate, but then, the PTA had a special lunch for the teachers.
At the lunch, they gave all of the teachers a basket of flowers to show their appreciation. I got a big basket of begonias (say that five times fast). They are a bold, pink color.
So, we were seated for graduation at 8:40 and when we left our lunch, is was 3:30. Most of my work day was spent in the gym. It was a long, but happy day.
The jhs graduation is a very big deal in Japan. It is also very formal. The ALTs were told not to take their cameras inside because it would be considered rude. At my particular school, there was a professional photographer and then one of the teachers who were allowed to take pictures.
The graduation was nice, but it was extremely long. There were a lot of speeches and a lot of the stand up, bow,then sit exercises.
The best part of graduation was what followed the ceremony. It's tradition for the remaining students and all of the teachers to line up outside of the school. The graduating students then come through to say farewell and to accept any gifts from their club mates and class mates. The graduating students then walk through the gates of the school on to their new lives. I liked that idea.
A lot of the students said goodbye to me as they left, but a few of the students' farewells were especially memorable. For example, one of the "jocks" came up to me and shook my hand. He wouldn't let go. He was crying and repeatedly thanked me for coming to Minami. It was very touching. I finally told him that I will stay in Hasuda, so he can probably see me at LaPark. I think that calmed him down. I was very touched.
Another farewell included being mobbed by 12 girls. They all wanted pictures.
Three girls that I would "clean" with at school (we mostly talked and emptied the paper trash) went to a puri-kura (instant photo) booth and took pictures. They wrote me a letter and included one of the pictures. The letter was half Japanese and half English. In the English part of my letter, they spelled my name "Horry". I thought it was adorable, but it didn't make me feel very successful as an English teacher.
The two students that I helped in preparation for the speech contests were both accepted to prestigious schools. They both came to thank me. I have a feeling that they will accomplish amazing things.
Then, there's Kojiro and his group of soccer players. From my first day at Minami, anytime Kojiro saw me, he would give me the Hawaiian hand greeting. All of the boys who are almost always with him, would cheerfully shout "Hello!". Sometimes, they would even say "I love you, Hollie!". (They watch too many movies). So they came over for one more greeting.
I would imagine that any of the parents observing yesterday would wonder what we were up to, but I think that the parents are just happy that we are communicating and that a teacher has made a connection with their child (just a guess).
I even had a few parents talk to me. My class clown and his mother came to talk to me, too.
I was very happy for the opportunity to say goodbye to the students. That would have been adequate, but then, the PTA had a special lunch for the teachers.
At the lunch, they gave all of the teachers a basket of flowers to show their appreciation. I got a big basket of begonias (say that five times fast). They are a bold, pink color.
So, we were seated for graduation at 8:40 and when we left our lunch, is was 3:30. Most of my work day was spent in the gym. It was a long, but happy day.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Unexpected Surprise
Recently, I have felt completely out of the loop as far as what is hot and what is not back home. Not that I pay too much attention. When you are bombarded with sounds and images everywhere you go, it is hard not to know what is popular.
Well, after moving to a country that is very different from my native land, I have recently felt out of touch. I used to be the one who was always up-to-date on music. That changed when I started school, but I was still knowledgeable about a lot of artists. Now, I don't even think that I could identify five songs from the Top 40. If I go to popular music television sites, they often can't play a song or video "outside of the United States because of copyright protection laws". No joke.
CDs are also usually very expensive here, so I don't want to buy something that may or may not sound pleasing to my ears.
So today, I was completely shocked when a friend sent me some music! It is upbeat and perfect for feeling energized for a new season. Not only that, but I feel like it's a link to the world outside of my bubble. ^_^
Well, after moving to a country that is very different from my native land, I have recently felt out of touch. I used to be the one who was always up-to-date on music. That changed when I started school, but I was still knowledgeable about a lot of artists. Now, I don't even think that I could identify five songs from the Top 40. If I go to popular music television sites, they often can't play a song or video "outside of the United States because of copyright protection laws". No joke.
CDs are also usually very expensive here, so I don't want to buy something that may or may not sound pleasing to my ears.
So today, I was completely shocked when a friend sent me some music! It is upbeat and perfect for feeling energized for a new season. Not only that, but I feel like it's a link to the world outside of my bubble. ^_^
Things are Shakin'
Lucky me! Not only did I get to experience an earthquake early Saturday morning, but I got to experience another one this morning.
I'm sure that I've mentioned before that I REALLY don't like earthquakes. It makes me really nervous. When we have a 5.3 followed by a 4.3 is it an indication that there is a bigger quake coming? I would be very content to live in a No-Shake Zone ^_^
I'm sure that I've mentioned before that I REALLY don't like earthquakes. It makes me really nervous. When we have a 5.3 followed by a 4.3 is it an indication that there is a bigger quake coming? I would be very content to live in a No-Shake Zone ^_^
Friday, March 7, 2008
Where Do I Begin?
As usual, I get farther and farther behind in posting.
First, I will start with last weekend. Nicole came to see me. ^_^ I had so much fun!
We actually met on the Study in Japan (SIJ) 2005 trip. After that, we both worked at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute as R.A.s, AND THEN we were both hired to be JETs.
Anyway, we did a lot of sight-seeing, we had American food, played Wii, and laughed a lot. It was good for me to hang out with someone I'm familiar with. I just love how goofy Nicole can be.
That Saturday (March 1st), we met up with my new friend Tomoko. I now call her Ichiban Guide-o-san because she seems to know everything about Japan and can cram so much into a day. She really gets things done! She knows all of the best places to go and see. She's fun to be around too.
The weekend was great and we seemed to be lucky the whole time. We got to see two weddings at two historical sites, I found shoes the fit (they look like womens, but they are actually mens shoes). Most importantly, I got to hang out with friends and have a good time.
I have mostly finalized my spring break plans. I am going to Osaka to visit some of my former girls from MFWI. I will be staying with Mao. She was one of my group members and then she lived next door for awhile. She is very awesome and I am looking forward to hanging out with her. In the meantime, I have been in contact with Mao and Chikako. They have planned a reunion for our house groups. We will meet on March 31st and go to (USJ) Universal Studios Japan! I'm so excited! Mao has been telling me for two years that she will take me there...and now we will do it! Also, I will meet with another one of my groups. I am REALLY excited!
The end of the school year is fast approaching. It is nice, because that means that we will have spring break soon. On the other hand, it also means that I'm that much closer to changing schools. :+( I have really become attached to my students.
Yesterday, some of the third year students came into the teachers' room to say thank you to their teachers and to announce that they passed their tests and what schools they will be going to. I knew that some of the girls would talk to me, because they have been keeping me informed for the past 3 months. I was NOT prepared for some of the boys to talk to me!
One boy in particular, Iwasaki-kun has been one of the most interesting characters I've met in a very long time. My first introduction was in his class. He greeted me with a loud and cheerful "Hello" and then tried to tell me a joke in Japanese. I didn't understand, so he tried to use big gestures. It's obvious that he enjoys learning English, because he is always happy in class and asking questions that are more advanced than what we are studying. He also tries to speak English every time that he sees me. When I go to their class and greet the students, he is the one who happily yells "Hello, Hollie! I'm hungry today" or "I'm very sleepy right now".
I knew that I made a friend out of him when I was coming home from work on Halloween and he was outside of his house with some high school friends. He said "hello" and asked about the plastic pumpkin I was carrying him. So, I told him and his friends about the custom of trick-or-treating. So being the smarty-pants that he is, he said "Trick-or-treat!". I then gave him and his friends Halloween stickers. I think that he was completely shocked that I actually gave him something. It was also funny because his high school friends were a little shy, but they were also excited to get stickers.
ANYWAY, all of that to lead up to yesterday. Iwasaki-kun came over and said "Hollie, thank you and the other ALTs for helping me learn English." I nearly fell out of my chair! He proceeded to tell me where he will be going to school and that he will study hard. He said again how thankful he was to have ALTs come to his school. I am thankful to know that some of the students actually recognize why we are here and that they are getting something out of it. They know that we are teaching them something, but I wonder if they know that they are teaching us?
Today is Friday. I made it through another week! It's been like a roller coaster. In the preparation for the end of the school year, our school had a farewell event today for the 3rd year students who will graduate and move on to high school next month. It lasted almost 4 hours, but it was very entertaining. There were many slide shows and videos, but the best part was watching some of the teachers dress up and sing and dance with the students! I will remember this for a long time.
Even though today was fun, it was sad because I know that I have 19 days left at Minami. I will have my last elementary school visit on Wednesday. As much as I love the elementary visits, I am not ready for the next one, because I know it will be the last one :+(
The only thing that keeps me from losing it completely, is that I live in the Minami neighborhood. So even though I will be at another school, I will see Minami students when I go to the store, or go for a walk, or go to the train station. I KNOW that they will talk to me too...they ALWAYS do ^_^
Change is happening soon and I am hoping that everything will be good and run smoothly.
First, I will start with last weekend. Nicole came to see me. ^_^ I had so much fun!
We actually met on the Study in Japan (SIJ) 2005 trip. After that, we both worked at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute as R.A.s, AND THEN we were both hired to be JETs.
Anyway, we did a lot of sight-seeing, we had American food, played Wii, and laughed a lot. It was good for me to hang out with someone I'm familiar with. I just love how goofy Nicole can be.
That Saturday (March 1st), we met up with my new friend Tomoko. I now call her Ichiban Guide-o-san because she seems to know everything about Japan and can cram so much into a day. She really gets things done! She knows all of the best places to go and see. She's fun to be around too.
The weekend was great and we seemed to be lucky the whole time. We got to see two weddings at two historical sites, I found shoes the fit (they look like womens, but they are actually mens shoes). Most importantly, I got to hang out with friends and have a good time.
I have mostly finalized my spring break plans. I am going to Osaka to visit some of my former girls from MFWI. I will be staying with Mao. She was one of my group members and then she lived next door for awhile. She is very awesome and I am looking forward to hanging out with her. In the meantime, I have been in contact with Mao and Chikako. They have planned a reunion for our house groups. We will meet on March 31st and go to (USJ) Universal Studios Japan! I'm so excited! Mao has been telling me for two years that she will take me there...and now we will do it! Also, I will meet with another one of my groups. I am REALLY excited!
The end of the school year is fast approaching. It is nice, because that means that we will have spring break soon. On the other hand, it also means that I'm that much closer to changing schools. :+( I have really become attached to my students.
Yesterday, some of the third year students came into the teachers' room to say thank you to their teachers and to announce that they passed their tests and what schools they will be going to. I knew that some of the girls would talk to me, because they have been keeping me informed for the past 3 months. I was NOT prepared for some of the boys to talk to me!
One boy in particular, Iwasaki-kun has been one of the most interesting characters I've met in a very long time. My first introduction was in his class. He greeted me with a loud and cheerful "Hello" and then tried to tell me a joke in Japanese. I didn't understand, so he tried to use big gestures. It's obvious that he enjoys learning English, because he is always happy in class and asking questions that are more advanced than what we are studying. He also tries to speak English every time that he sees me. When I go to their class and greet the students, he is the one who happily yells "Hello, Hollie! I'm hungry today" or "I'm very sleepy right now".
I knew that I made a friend out of him when I was coming home from work on Halloween and he was outside of his house with some high school friends. He said "hello" and asked about the plastic pumpkin I was carrying him. So, I told him and his friends about the custom of trick-or-treating. So being the smarty-pants that he is, he said "Trick-or-treat!". I then gave him and his friends Halloween stickers. I think that he was completely shocked that I actually gave him something. It was also funny because his high school friends were a little shy, but they were also excited to get stickers.
ANYWAY, all of that to lead up to yesterday. Iwasaki-kun came over and said "Hollie, thank you and the other ALTs for helping me learn English." I nearly fell out of my chair! He proceeded to tell me where he will be going to school and that he will study hard. He said again how thankful he was to have ALTs come to his school. I am thankful to know that some of the students actually recognize why we are here and that they are getting something out of it. They know that we are teaching them something, but I wonder if they know that they are teaching us?
Today is Friday. I made it through another week! It's been like a roller coaster. In the preparation for the end of the school year, our school had a farewell event today for the 3rd year students who will graduate and move on to high school next month. It lasted almost 4 hours, but it was very entertaining. There were many slide shows and videos, but the best part was watching some of the teachers dress up and sing and dance with the students! I will remember this for a long time.
Even though today was fun, it was sad because I know that I have 19 days left at Minami. I will have my last elementary school visit on Wednesday. As much as I love the elementary visits, I am not ready for the next one, because I know it will be the last one :+(
The only thing that keeps me from losing it completely, is that I live in the Minami neighborhood. So even though I will be at another school, I will see Minami students when I go to the store, or go for a walk, or go to the train station. I KNOW that they will talk to me too...they ALWAYS do ^_^
Change is happening soon and I am hoping that everything will be good and run smoothly.
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