It's that time of the week. It's a Monday...again. Why does it seem like Mondays are a 48 hour day?
The good news is that it's a payday. Woo hoo!
The downside, is that I am at school all day again with no classes. I do have to work overtime though, because we have an ALT meeting followed by another meeting. We are supposed to be meeting with the junior high students who will go to Australia this summer.
Anyway, I haven't been completely unproductive today. I am in the process of setting up an edublog for my students , friends, and anyone else who might be interested.
As usual, today has been pretty uneventful. Except that the crazy lady just came in to work about 10 minutes ago. She was having a conversation with herself out in the hallway and is still talking to herself as I am typing this. Nobody else seems to be aware of this (they are good at hiding emotion here), but she is driving me batty!
On the plus side, I was able to enjoy four hour of "work" without her. ^_^
Life isn't too bad, you know?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
I Want My MTV...or BET, or VH1...
Remember in the early years of MTV when their slogan was "I want my MTV"?
As kids, we would joke about it, but I didn't really think about it until they started doing reality shows. At that point, I wanted more music and less reality (still do), but that's not what this blog is about today.
For the past year, I have been living in Japan. I have heard that there is a Japanese version of MTV, but I don't get cable (and cable is not an option for me). I have had no exposure to new artists or songs apart from Flo Rider.
I am aware that Ne-Yo should be coming out with a new album soon, but that is all due to my own research. Aside from that, I got nothing.
I have been feeling so disconnected from my own culture recently. Back home, we are exposed to so much that we are typically not aware of, or that we take for granted. You don't have to listen to a certain radio station to know what the number one song is, because it will come out on an ad over the tv, or it will be in a movie, or it will be blastin' out of your neighbor's stereo. Back home, you would pretty much have to be living under a rock to NOT know what's going on. Even my nearly ninety grandparents know about Madonna and Michael Jackson.
Well, back to my situation. Japan is an interesting place. My particular town has a song that you will hear in town when it is noon and when it is five. I guess this isn't uncommon in Japan. Each store has their own song(s) that they will play over and over. It is usually a muzak version of a song, but sometimes we get lucky. Oh yes, I am one of the lucky ones. I get to hear words. Over and over and over. My store's song happens to be "Up, Up and Away In My Beautiful Balloon". The song is so old that I remember my mother listening to it on wax. The other song is another song that was probably popular in the 60's or 70's. It was probably a one-hit wonder. It's worse that the first song.
I'm guessing that the songs are meant to keep people from spending a lot of time in the store. If so, then it works for me.
My friend's store has the Muzak version of the "Austin Powers Theme". It seems more shopper-friendly. Wouldn't you just want to break out into a dance while shopping, too?
Alas, that is pretty much the only exposure that I get to music. I have tried to access the MTV, BET, and VH1 websites. Unfortunately, almost all of the videos are blocked to those of us outside of the US...something about copyrights. I'm not trying to download. I just want to hear something! Luckily (or unluckily), I can still watch the reality shows on the MTV website (not VH1 for some reason...they tend to be more interesting).
At the moment, I don't understand this phenomenon. There are many artists who are incorporating Japanese influence into their songs or images. Why can't we just listen to their music?
I never thought that I would ever mean it, but darn it, to day I do: I WANT MY MTV!
As kids, we would joke about it, but I didn't really think about it until they started doing reality shows. At that point, I wanted more music and less reality (still do), but that's not what this blog is about today.
For the past year, I have been living in Japan. I have heard that there is a Japanese version of MTV, but I don't get cable (and cable is not an option for me). I have had no exposure to new artists or songs apart from Flo Rider.
I am aware that Ne-Yo should be coming out with a new album soon, but that is all due to my own research. Aside from that, I got nothing.
I have been feeling so disconnected from my own culture recently. Back home, we are exposed to so much that we are typically not aware of, or that we take for granted. You don't have to listen to a certain radio station to know what the number one song is, because it will come out on an ad over the tv, or it will be in a movie, or it will be blastin' out of your neighbor's stereo. Back home, you would pretty much have to be living under a rock to NOT know what's going on. Even my nearly ninety grandparents know about Madonna and Michael Jackson.
Well, back to my situation. Japan is an interesting place. My particular town has a song that you will hear in town when it is noon and when it is five. I guess this isn't uncommon in Japan. Each store has their own song(s) that they will play over and over. It is usually a muzak version of a song, but sometimes we get lucky. Oh yes, I am one of the lucky ones. I get to hear words. Over and over and over. My store's song happens to be "Up, Up and Away In My Beautiful Balloon". The song is so old that I remember my mother listening to it on wax. The other song is another song that was probably popular in the 60's or 70's. It was probably a one-hit wonder. It's worse that the first song.
I'm guessing that the songs are meant to keep people from spending a lot of time in the store. If so, then it works for me.
My friend's store has the Muzak version of the "Austin Powers Theme". It seems more shopper-friendly. Wouldn't you just want to break out into a dance while shopping, too?
Alas, that is pretty much the only exposure that I get to music. I have tried to access the MTV, BET, and VH1 websites. Unfortunately, almost all of the videos are blocked to those of us outside of the US...something about copyrights. I'm not trying to download. I just want to hear something! Luckily (or unluckily), I can still watch the reality shows on the MTV website (not VH1 for some reason...they tend to be more interesting).
At the moment, I don't understand this phenomenon. There are many artists who are incorporating Japanese influence into their songs or images. Why can't we just listen to their music?
I never thought that I would ever mean it, but darn it, to day I do: I WANT MY MTV!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Monday
I had two classes today. Woo Hoo! I'm happy to have had something to do today. The next three days, however, will be busy. I have three elementary visits back to back (to back? Not sure of the proper grammar here). I also have three elementary visits scheduled for next week, too. I think that I will be ready for a vacation after that.
As usual, I am feeling over-dressed among the teachers today. Aside from the principal and vice-principal, I am the only one not in jeans, long shorts, capris or track suits. I actually wore capris to work two weeks ago (but changed before school started). You would have thought that I colored my hair blue from some of the reactions that I got. So I don't understand why I can't wear capris, but the other teachers can wear shorts. Someone please explain this to me. Maybe I should just go get a track suit (or not).
Well, I think that the weekend was productive (sort of). I was in fight mode on Saturday: No more roaches!!! It was very hot and I had the fan going, but it is also rainy season here, so it's very humid. I got quite the work out scrubbing floors and walls on Saturday. I even moved some furniture. I got everything except the refrigerator area and the "stove". I scrubbed and scrubbed. My place smells like oranges from the orange cleaner (I hope that roaches don't like oranges). After scrubbing all of the floors and walls, I put out new traps. I'm hoping and praying that this is sufficient.
On Saturday, I also got most of my laundry done. I even washed the kitchen rugs. Unfortunately, before the rugs could dry, it started raining (very hard), so my rugs are still hanging on the balcony. I might just have to re-wash them.
Stupid roaches.
Yesterday, I slept in. I was sick most of the day. I think that I got too hot and inhaled too many fumes on Saturday. So, I basically vegged all day. I even tried to go to bed at a normal hour, but the rain started coming down so hard and the frogs decided to sing with the pouring rain. I was still staring at my clock at 1:30 this morning. :+( On the bright side of things, my lesson tonight has been canceled, so I can chill tonight, too. ^_^
Sometimes I wish that I could leave the school when I'm done for the day. Sometimes I wish that I could go for a walk outside of school during a free period. I'm starting to feel stifled.
I've decided that cities don't bother me very much, but when it comes to living space, I do like the wider (than Japan standard) area for living.
That's the end of this rambling.
As usual, I am feeling over-dressed among the teachers today. Aside from the principal and vice-principal, I am the only one not in jeans, long shorts, capris or track suits. I actually wore capris to work two weeks ago (but changed before school started). You would have thought that I colored my hair blue from some of the reactions that I got. So I don't understand why I can't wear capris, but the other teachers can wear shorts. Someone please explain this to me. Maybe I should just go get a track suit (or not).
Well, I think that the weekend was productive (sort of). I was in fight mode on Saturday: No more roaches!!! It was very hot and I had the fan going, but it is also rainy season here, so it's very humid. I got quite the work out scrubbing floors and walls on Saturday. I even moved some furniture. I got everything except the refrigerator area and the "stove". I scrubbed and scrubbed. My place smells like oranges from the orange cleaner (I hope that roaches don't like oranges). After scrubbing all of the floors and walls, I put out new traps. I'm hoping and praying that this is sufficient.
On Saturday, I also got most of my laundry done. I even washed the kitchen rugs. Unfortunately, before the rugs could dry, it started raining (very hard), so my rugs are still hanging on the balcony. I might just have to re-wash them.
Stupid roaches.
Yesterday, I slept in. I was sick most of the day. I think that I got too hot and inhaled too many fumes on Saturday. So, I basically vegged all day. I even tried to go to bed at a normal hour, but the rain started coming down so hard and the frogs decided to sing with the pouring rain. I was still staring at my clock at 1:30 this morning. :+( On the bright side of things, my lesson tonight has been canceled, so I can chill tonight, too. ^_^
Sometimes I wish that I could leave the school when I'm done for the day. Sometimes I wish that I could go for a walk outside of school during a free period. I'm starting to feel stifled.
I've decided that cities don't bother me very much, but when it comes to living space, I do like the wider (than Japan standard) area for living.
That's the end of this rambling.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Roaches
I guess it was only a matter of time (insert big sigh here).
The weather has become hot and humid. It is the perfect time and place for cockroaches. Unfortunately, two cockroaches chose a not-so-perfect place last night. They chose my apartment. For those of you who know me, you know how much I hate cockroaches and mice.
So last night, when I opened the sliding door of my bedroom and caught sight of a 4-inch cockroach next to my toothbrush above the sink, I was less than thrilled. Since I don't like to hear the crunch of big bugs when they are squished and since I sometimes miss, I decided to spray poison on the roach. I grabbed the first thing that was handy...the bathroom cleaner (with bleach!). I moved in a little closer and sprayed the roach. I made sure to spray a lot, but he ran away so fast, I didn't see where he went. It was late and I wanted piece of mind. I did not want to imagine that he was lurking in my kitchen somewhere while I was trying to sleep.
I cautiously moved my garbage, but didn't see him. I knew that I would have to move the little table I have near the sink. That is when I discovered there were two of them! I sprayed and sprayed until I knew they were dead. I sprayed a little more for good measure. I looked around to make sure that there were no more surprises. Not finding anything else, I scooped the roaches up with paper and flushed them down the toilet. I watched them swirl down the drain. I wanted to know that they were dead.
However, my imagination got the best of me. Since the roaches were so close to my bedroom's sliding door and I know that the door has a gap, I cranked the A/C (something that I was determined not to do until at least, July) and I slept with the TV on. I know, I know, I'm a pansy.
So now I'm at work and I think that I could really go for some sleep. The day is dragging and I haven't seen my teacher. I don't even know if I have any classes today.
In the meantime, I am plotting the best plan of action for keeping roaches out. Today after school is over and after I go to the post office, I will buy the little discs that you put around the house to keep the roached out. I will also buy some spray. I know that the spray will work, but I really don't know if I am up for finding the dead roaches in my apartment. Ignorance is bliss at this point. I'm happy with the "If I don't see them, they don't exist" approach. But I definitely DON'T want to see them. If I have to see them, they should not be alive.
In the meantime, I'll keep you posted.
The weather has become hot and humid. It is the perfect time and place for cockroaches. Unfortunately, two cockroaches chose a not-so-perfect place last night. They chose my apartment. For those of you who know me, you know how much I hate cockroaches and mice.
So last night, when I opened the sliding door of my bedroom and caught sight of a 4-inch cockroach next to my toothbrush above the sink, I was less than thrilled. Since I don't like to hear the crunch of big bugs when they are squished and since I sometimes miss, I decided to spray poison on the roach. I grabbed the first thing that was handy...the bathroom cleaner (with bleach!). I moved in a little closer and sprayed the roach. I made sure to spray a lot, but he ran away so fast, I didn't see where he went. It was late and I wanted piece of mind. I did not want to imagine that he was lurking in my kitchen somewhere while I was trying to sleep.
I cautiously moved my garbage, but didn't see him. I knew that I would have to move the little table I have near the sink. That is when I discovered there were two of them! I sprayed and sprayed until I knew they were dead. I sprayed a little more for good measure. I looked around to make sure that there were no more surprises. Not finding anything else, I scooped the roaches up with paper and flushed them down the toilet. I watched them swirl down the drain. I wanted to know that they were dead.
However, my imagination got the best of me. Since the roaches were so close to my bedroom's sliding door and I know that the door has a gap, I cranked the A/C (something that I was determined not to do until at least, July) and I slept with the TV on. I know, I know, I'm a pansy.
So now I'm at work and I think that I could really go for some sleep. The day is dragging and I haven't seen my teacher. I don't even know if I have any classes today.
In the meantime, I am plotting the best plan of action for keeping roaches out. Today after school is over and after I go to the post office, I will buy the little discs that you put around the house to keep the roached out. I will also buy some spray. I know that the spray will work, but I really don't know if I am up for finding the dead roaches in my apartment. Ignorance is bliss at this point. I'm happy with the "If I don't see them, they don't exist" approach. But I definitely DON'T want to see them. If I have to see them, they should not be alive.
In the meantime, I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Thursday
I have decided that I absolutely love the lunch lady/ office lady at our school. She is the most attentive and sweet lady. We both decided we would do our best to communicate with each other and it usually involves a mix of Japanese and English. (Honestly, when did I ever learn how to say something like, "I'm trying to print from the computer, but the printer isn't responding" or "There's a jam in the copier". Somehow, we manage to communicate and she NEVER makes me feel stupid.
On the other hand...there is a teacher who shall remain nameless. He is not an evil man. I just think that he is intimidated by me (the native English speaker). I have only been to his class 3 times. One of those was today and I had to find out from the other English teacher about it. The worst part of it, is that the city's board of education was here today to evaluate our classes. The class and its content had been planned weeks ago. I knew about the class with my regular teacher, but I had to hear it from him less than an hour before class was to start with the other teacher.
We managed to get through it, but I know that it could have been a lot better.
I think that we were supposed to have some kind of meeting, but everyone has disappeared and no one has told me where I'm supposed to be. So I'm sticking to my desk and we-writing the speeches for the students who will enter the speech contest.
On the other hand...there is a teacher who shall remain nameless. He is not an evil man. I just think that he is intimidated by me (the native English speaker). I have only been to his class 3 times. One of those was today and I had to find out from the other English teacher about it. The worst part of it, is that the city's board of education was here today to evaluate our classes. The class and its content had been planned weeks ago. I knew about the class with my regular teacher, but I had to hear it from him less than an hour before class was to start with the other teacher.
We managed to get through it, but I know that it could have been a lot better.
I think that we were supposed to have some kind of meeting, but everyone has disappeared and no one has told me where I'm supposed to be. So I'm sticking to my desk and we-writing the speeches for the students who will enter the speech contest.
Strange Dream
Have you ever had one of those dreams that you just can't shake off after you are awake?
I had one of those dreams last night. It was strange, but parts of it were so vivid. I won't go into all of the dream, but only parts.
One part that I particularly remember, is that there were soldiers (from France, I think) and they carried swords. I had be-friended them and became good friends with the captain. He and his men were staying near my family's place. At some point, because I had lived over-seas and my family hadn't, he was commanded to kill me. He said he had to. I said that I understood, but went to bed (WHY would I do THAT!?). In my dream, I went to sleep (knowing me, if I was worried about something, the last thing I would do would be to sleep). At one point of this dream, I am sleeping but aware of the captain standing over me in front of his men, with my sword. I continued to pretend to sleep. The captain raised his sword and put it down. I was sleeping on my side. Then, the captain raised his sword again and ran it through me from shoulder to shoulder. In my dream, I heard and felt the sword cutting through bone and muscles. It was vivid and gross!
The captain turned to his men and said, "She's gone. Let's move". After that, my mother came downstairs and I said, "I'm still alive." She said that she couldn't believe that the captain ran his sword through me. In my dream, I defended the captain saying that at least he spared my life. He had to make it look like he killed me in front of his men.
Continuing with the dream, my mother takes me to the hospital after pulling out the sword. The hospital experience was strange in my dream, but they only put gauze on my two shoulders and sent me home. During this time, I was panicking, because I was supposed to be at practice for Gospel choir and taiko.
I finally make it there and one of my friends stops everything and accuses me for being late and not having any respect for the other members of the group. I turned around with my shoulders in gauze and apologized and then said that I had been stabbed. She rolled her eyes and said that I would do anything to get attention.
At this point in my dream, another member (who in real life was one of my college professors) begins to pray over us.
After the prayer, we are asked to turn in insurance info for some retreat. It is only required for those under 25, but they kept insisting that I couldn't go without the info. I kept arguing that I was older than 25, but they wouldn't believe me. I was then accused of lying about my age. I was accused of being nothing but a lazy liar and bringing the group down. I was then asked how I even got into the group because I probably couldn't even sing. At that point, a former professor from Chicago and another one of my friends both stepped forward and suggested that I perform a song right then and there. At this point, it was very noisy because people were milling about, but I sang anyway. By the middle of the song, everyone was quiet and listening. The first "friend" who talked to me couldn't stand that I was the center of attention and began playing a drum.
So what does all of this mean? I have no clue. If I were to guess, I would think that it means I am too nice of a person (in reference to an actual conversation with a friend this week). My friends tend to take advantage of me and push me around. If I stand up for myself, I am accused of being selfish. I am guessing that the sword through the back means that I am the target of backstabbing, but I am also loyal to my friends because I make excuses for them.
But these are just guesses.
Weird, huh?
I had one of those dreams last night. It was strange, but parts of it were so vivid. I won't go into all of the dream, but only parts.
One part that I particularly remember, is that there were soldiers (from France, I think) and they carried swords. I had be-friended them and became good friends with the captain. He and his men were staying near my family's place. At some point, because I had lived over-seas and my family hadn't, he was commanded to kill me. He said he had to. I said that I understood, but went to bed (WHY would I do THAT!?). In my dream, I went to sleep (knowing me, if I was worried about something, the last thing I would do would be to sleep). At one point of this dream, I am sleeping but aware of the captain standing over me in front of his men, with my sword. I continued to pretend to sleep. The captain raised his sword and put it down. I was sleeping on my side. Then, the captain raised his sword again and ran it through me from shoulder to shoulder. In my dream, I heard and felt the sword cutting through bone and muscles. It was vivid and gross!
The captain turned to his men and said, "She's gone. Let's move". After that, my mother came downstairs and I said, "I'm still alive." She said that she couldn't believe that the captain ran his sword through me. In my dream, I defended the captain saying that at least he spared my life. He had to make it look like he killed me in front of his men.
Continuing with the dream, my mother takes me to the hospital after pulling out the sword. The hospital experience was strange in my dream, but they only put gauze on my two shoulders and sent me home. During this time, I was panicking, because I was supposed to be at practice for Gospel choir and taiko.
I finally make it there and one of my friends stops everything and accuses me for being late and not having any respect for the other members of the group. I turned around with my shoulders in gauze and apologized and then said that I had been stabbed. She rolled her eyes and said that I would do anything to get attention.
At this point in my dream, another member (who in real life was one of my college professors) begins to pray over us.
After the prayer, we are asked to turn in insurance info for some retreat. It is only required for those under 25, but they kept insisting that I couldn't go without the info. I kept arguing that I was older than 25, but they wouldn't believe me. I was then accused of lying about my age. I was accused of being nothing but a lazy liar and bringing the group down. I was then asked how I even got into the group because I probably couldn't even sing. At that point, a former professor from Chicago and another one of my friends both stepped forward and suggested that I perform a song right then and there. At this point, it was very noisy because people were milling about, but I sang anyway. By the middle of the song, everyone was quiet and listening. The first "friend" who talked to me couldn't stand that I was the center of attention and began playing a drum.
So what does all of this mean? I have no clue. If I were to guess, I would think that it means I am too nice of a person (in reference to an actual conversation with a friend this week). My friends tend to take advantage of me and push me around. If I stand up for myself, I am accused of being selfish. I am guessing that the sword through the back means that I am the target of backstabbing, but I am also loyal to my friends because I make excuses for them.
But these are just guesses.
Weird, huh?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
It's Wednesday
I've recently been staying up too late or just haven't been able to sleep. I don't know if it's a change in weather, anticipation of summer break, or something else. Whatever it is, it has left me absolutely exhausted!
Yesterday I had a full day of elementary school. I had been dreading this visit because one of the classes had been awful before. When I got to school, I was informed that this class had a substitute teacher (this didn't sound good, but I thought I'd give it a go anyway). I was also told that I was scheduled to eat lunch with this class.
Well, I have to say that I absolutely love the substitute teacher and I hope that she will stay. There was such an improvement in the class. I actually had an enjoyable visit! Also, the two students who were the worst kids before, somehow decided to be nice to me (I was still on my guard). I am hoping that this is a sign of good things to come.
So, yesterday was successful, but elementary school is always draining. The weather is hot and humid, so it doesn't help.
Last night, I went out with three other ALTs for our weekly dinner at Saizeriya. After that, I came home and went to bed. I actually slept for 10 hours!! It felt really nice to do that, but I think that I could have slept longer!
Anyways, nothing else to report. Oh yeah, as with other things that are sometimes strange in this country, this could be interesting. In Japan, there is a tendency to shorten everything. For example: hana yori dango becomes "hana-dan" or sexual harrassment becomes "seku-hara". Well, I saw a new one today that made me giggle: toilet paper is now apparently "toi-pe". I understand that there is an emphasis on saving the environment by not wasting things, but does it really have to be carried over to saving syllables?
Yesterday I had a full day of elementary school. I had been dreading this visit because one of the classes had been awful before. When I got to school, I was informed that this class had a substitute teacher (this didn't sound good, but I thought I'd give it a go anyway). I was also told that I was scheduled to eat lunch with this class.
Well, I have to say that I absolutely love the substitute teacher and I hope that she will stay. There was such an improvement in the class. I actually had an enjoyable visit! Also, the two students who were the worst kids before, somehow decided to be nice to me (I was still on my guard). I am hoping that this is a sign of good things to come.
So, yesterday was successful, but elementary school is always draining. The weather is hot and humid, so it doesn't help.
Last night, I went out with three other ALTs for our weekly dinner at Saizeriya. After that, I came home and went to bed. I actually slept for 10 hours!! It felt really nice to do that, but I think that I could have slept longer!
Anyways, nothing else to report. Oh yeah, as with other things that are sometimes strange in this country, this could be interesting. In Japan, there is a tendency to shorten everything. For example: hana yori dango becomes "hana-dan" or sexual harrassment becomes "seku-hara". Well, I saw a new one today that made me giggle: toilet paper is now apparently "toi-pe". I understand that there is an emphasis on saving the environment by not wasting things, but does it really have to be carried over to saving syllables?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Boring
By now you all know how completely bored I am today.
The good news, is that I got TWO phone calls at work! Hey, it's exciting for me.
I rarely get calls at work. When I do, it's usually my supervisor who is calling. Mr. Aono called me this morning to tell me that he needs my help in August for interviewing. I guess that new teachers are being interviewed. As a native English speaker, I get to test their knowledge. It could be fun.
After that call, I received another call from the elementary school that I will visit tomorrow. They wanted to know if I can bring some American money to school tomorrow. They think it would be nice for the kids to see American money. I have a lot of coins, but as far as paper goes, I've only got 1s and 5s. It should be enough though.
The crazy lady is behind me talking to herself again. She is singing and making some very strange noises. This time, there was actually the smallest of reactions from the teacher at the desk in front of me. We made eye contact and then almost burst out laughing. Currently, we are both trying to "concentrate" so as not to laugh.
It's not funny that she's crazy, but given this environment, one has to appreciate the humor.
School lunch was interesting today. The shark was good, but I'm not really sure what some of the other things were. I do know that my stomach didn't like the heavy starch and it feels like it is ready to explode. I still don't see how Japanese school lunches are healthy. They are heavy on the starch and everyone races to finish their food (teachers included). So the amount of air that is gulped down can not be good for anyone.
So that's really all I have left to say about my Monday so far. I will try to spare you all any further ramblings (for today, at least).
Take 'er cool!
The good news, is that I got TWO phone calls at work! Hey, it's exciting for me.
I rarely get calls at work. When I do, it's usually my supervisor who is calling. Mr. Aono called me this morning to tell me that he needs my help in August for interviewing. I guess that new teachers are being interviewed. As a native English speaker, I get to test their knowledge. It could be fun.
After that call, I received another call from the elementary school that I will visit tomorrow. They wanted to know if I can bring some American money to school tomorrow. They think it would be nice for the kids to see American money. I have a lot of coins, but as far as paper goes, I've only got 1s and 5s. It should be enough though.
The crazy lady is behind me talking to herself again. She is singing and making some very strange noises. This time, there was actually the smallest of reactions from the teacher at the desk in front of me. We made eye contact and then almost burst out laughing. Currently, we are both trying to "concentrate" so as not to laugh.
It's not funny that she's crazy, but given this environment, one has to appreciate the humor.
School lunch was interesting today. The shark was good, but I'm not really sure what some of the other things were. I do know that my stomach didn't like the heavy starch and it feels like it is ready to explode. I still don't see how Japanese school lunches are healthy. They are heavy on the starch and everyone races to finish their food (teachers included). So the amount of air that is gulped down can not be good for anyone.
So that's really all I have left to say about my Monday so far. I will try to spare you all any further ramblings (for today, at least).
Take 'er cool!
Words Can't Explain...
This is a wonderful picture of...beer foam! (You thought that I was going to say golden poo didn't you?)
Yes, that's right. It's supposed to be the foam of the beer as it's blown away I guess.
I'm sure their intentions were good, but...it still looks like poo. Nasty.
I knew there was a reason I didn't drink beer. Can you imagine? Every time that you go to drink from your frosted mug, now all that you can visualize is golden poo rather than beer foam.
So if you ever get the chance to visit Tokyo, you might meander past the Asahi Beer Hall for a peek at the golden poo, er foam that is rising out of what looks to be a tall, black glass.
Honestly, I'm at a loss for words.
Monday, Monday, blah, blah...
Why yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am so bored. I decided to add another picture (just because I can).
This picture was taken in Shinjuku (Tokyo). It was a Sunday night and not as busy as it would be during the week. Kind of crazy, huh? I'm not going to lie. I know that when I move back to the U.S. that I will experience reverse culture shock. It will take me awhile to adjust to having more space. Let me tell you, I will enjoy it ^_^
In the meantime, I'm enjoying living outside of one of the largest cities in the world!
Weekend Adventure
This is a view of Tokyo from the Tokyo Tower. It was taken this past Saturday.
On Saturday, I met my friend Max, for some food and fun. The food part usually consists of a Hard Rock Cafe hamburger (yum!).
Max had never gone to Tokyo Tower before and it's something that we had talked about doing for a long time. I actually went for the first time on the previous Saturday (at night) right before they closed.
I was happy to get both perspectives. I was also able to go up to the special observatory that we were too late to visit the previous week.
It's amazing to me how big this city really is.Unfortunately, it was a little smoggy, so we couldn't see Mt. Fuji. I am definitely considering a visit to Tokyo Tower on a clear, winter day.
This is just one of many pictures that I have taken in the past 10 days. It is now time to upgrade my memory card for my camera :+(
Since I had a little extra time today, I thought that I would at least post a picture with this blog. I'm not exactly the most tech-savvy person, but I thought that a picture would add some flair.
That's all for now. Maybe I'll post more later today ^_^
I Have No Class
It's another fun day at work today. OK, so I'm being sarcastic again.
The main English teacher (or at least the teacher who likes to use the resources available to him), is away for a few days.
I had hoped to have at least a class or two today. I haven't been able to do much with the student teachers around. Thankfully, they have finished their stay here.
Tomorrow I have an elementary school visit. I like the main teacher there. She's very nice to me. I also like the teaching schedule there. What I don't like, is the fact that I will have to teach the bad class again tomorrow. I am hoping and praying for two things. The first, is that their class will be the first class I teach, so that I can just get it out of the way (the students aren't that awake for the first class anyway). The second, is that at least the really bad girl will be out "sick" tomorrow. Seriously, I'm thinking that one of the characters from the movie Mean Girls is inspiration for this girl! I have to remind myself that I am the teacher and she is the student. I also have to remember that no matter what I am thinking or feeling inside, I should never let her see when she is getting to me (a problem for someone who wears her heart on her sleeve).
At any rate, I'm going to try to not even think about it until tomorrow.
In the meantime, I should enjoy today. Even though I have no classes to go to, I can be thankful that it isn't hectic. Honestly, for a Monday, it really isn't a bad way to start the week ^_^
The main English teacher (or at least the teacher who likes to use the resources available to him), is away for a few days.
I had hoped to have at least a class or two today. I haven't been able to do much with the student teachers around. Thankfully, they have finished their stay here.
Tomorrow I have an elementary school visit. I like the main teacher there. She's very nice to me. I also like the teaching schedule there. What I don't like, is the fact that I will have to teach the bad class again tomorrow. I am hoping and praying for two things. The first, is that their class will be the first class I teach, so that I can just get it out of the way (the students aren't that awake for the first class anyway). The second, is that at least the really bad girl will be out "sick" tomorrow. Seriously, I'm thinking that one of the characters from the movie Mean Girls is inspiration for this girl! I have to remind myself that I am the teacher and she is the student. I also have to remember that no matter what I am thinking or feeling inside, I should never let her see when she is getting to me (a problem for someone who wears her heart on her sleeve).
At any rate, I'm going to try to not even think about it until tomorrow.
In the meantime, I should enjoy today. Even though I have no classes to go to, I can be thankful that it isn't hectic. Honestly, for a Monday, it really isn't a bad way to start the week ^_^
Laundry Lamentations
I know, I'm being a bit melodramatic. I have to say though, that one of the things I really, really, REALLY miss, is the way laundry is done back home. It's true that Japan has the same technology (and in some cases more advanced technology) in the washer/dryer department, it's just that they choose not to utilize the dryer most of the time.
Many people hang their clothes to dry. The reasoning behind this, is so their clothes will smell like the sun (I don't buy that in my neighborhood. Not for a second. We have neighbors who are burning trash 24/7. There's no way my clothes will know what it's like to smell like the sun. The only thing they smell like is burnt trash mixed with Febreeze!). Oh yeah, and some will add (as an afterthought), that hanging clothes to dry saves energy.
OK, sure. saving energy is important, but so is wearing CLEAN clothes. It is really annoying and disheartening to bring your clothes in from wear they hang to dry outside, only to see that they are dirtier than before you put them in the wash. If you have to wash your clothes again, you are wasting energy AND water.
Also, I have always been a proponent of washing towels, socks, and underwear, sheets, etc... in hot water and drying them. This process kills germs. I don't like putting this stuff outside to dry where little bugs often rest...EWW! I refuse to hang some of it outside. I now have a laundry tree for the smaller stuff.
All of those other issues aside, let's not forget that Japan is a humid place and the rainy season is upon us. It's hot and humid. Many times, we are walking to and from school in the rain. Because it is hot though, we often become a little sweaty. When we get home, our clothes are wet from the rain and perspiration. I often peel off my clothes and put them into the washer when I get home. So you can imagine, that hanging them to dry is not very effective when you have to hang them outside to dry (where it's raining!). The window of drying opportunity is really limited (especially when you're gone during most of the day). I think it's gross when my clothes are damp for 2-3 days because they won't dry :+(
So anyway, yesterday was a nice laundry day (aside from the neighbors burning). I washed clothes, I brought them in. I didn't have many bugs on my stuff (yeah!) I planned what I would wear today. Noticed that nothing needed ironing immediately and didn't worry about it.
Well, I went to get dressed this morning, I noticed that my pants had streaks (from the smoke that carried over from the neighbor's trash!). I didn't notice it yesterday, because the pants were damp enough not to see it. I had to spend extra time this morning using a damp sponge on my pants just to be presentable today.
I'm really tired of doing laundry this way! I just don't have the extra space that I need to hang all of my clothes inside :+(
Granted, I used to hang my dress pants to dry back home, I had a place to do this. I was also able to dry everything else, so space wasn't an issue.
Anyways, that's something that I miss and can't wait to get back to (although it will be another year).
Many people hang their clothes to dry. The reasoning behind this, is so their clothes will smell like the sun (I don't buy that in my neighborhood. Not for a second. We have neighbors who are burning trash 24/7. There's no way my clothes will know what it's like to smell like the sun. The only thing they smell like is burnt trash mixed with Febreeze!). Oh yeah, and some will add (as an afterthought), that hanging clothes to dry saves energy.
OK, sure. saving energy is important, but so is wearing CLEAN clothes. It is really annoying and disheartening to bring your clothes in from wear they hang to dry outside, only to see that they are dirtier than before you put them in the wash. If you have to wash your clothes again, you are wasting energy AND water.
Also, I have always been a proponent of washing towels, socks, and underwear, sheets, etc... in hot water and drying them. This process kills germs. I don't like putting this stuff outside to dry where little bugs often rest...EWW! I refuse to hang some of it outside. I now have a laundry tree for the smaller stuff.
All of those other issues aside, let's not forget that Japan is a humid place and the rainy season is upon us. It's hot and humid. Many times, we are walking to and from school in the rain. Because it is hot though, we often become a little sweaty. When we get home, our clothes are wet from the rain and perspiration. I often peel off my clothes and put them into the washer when I get home. So you can imagine, that hanging them to dry is not very effective when you have to hang them outside to dry (where it's raining!). The window of drying opportunity is really limited (especially when you're gone during most of the day). I think it's gross when my clothes are damp for 2-3 days because they won't dry :+(
So anyway, yesterday was a nice laundry day (aside from the neighbors burning). I washed clothes, I brought them in. I didn't have many bugs on my stuff (yeah!) I planned what I would wear today. Noticed that nothing needed ironing immediately and didn't worry about it.
Well, I went to get dressed this morning, I noticed that my pants had streaks (from the smoke that carried over from the neighbor's trash!). I didn't notice it yesterday, because the pants were damp enough not to see it. I had to spend extra time this morning using a damp sponge on my pants just to be presentable today.
I'm really tired of doing laundry this way! I just don't have the extra space that I need to hang all of my clothes inside :+(
Granted, I used to hang my dress pants to dry back home, I had a place to do this. I was also able to dry everything else, so space wasn't an issue.
Anyways, that's something that I miss and can't wait to get back to (although it will be another year).
Shakin' Things Up
OK, so we had ANOTHER earthquake yesterday. It was pretty big, but I am fine. Nothing is damaged and we weren't at the center of it, so I am very thankful.
I'm very thankful to live in a place that is prepared (including structurally) for earthquakes.
My sister should be in Japan now. She is studying in Osaka. Unfortunately, that is far from where I am, but I am hoping to visit her one weekend while she is here.
In the mean-time, we are both missing out on a family reunion back home. It is the first one in years on my dad's side of the family. My brother and his wife are missing it too. I guess that's what happens when you grow up. Still, it would be nice to see some of my family that I haven't seen in years.
Recently, I've been thinking about my life and my interactions with others. For so long, I've managed to do what is expected of me (except getting married). But I'm always doing what someone wants me to do. I'm struggling with living MY life. I'm always compromising for someone else and when I do try to stand firm, I'm told that I'm being selfish or that I should just get over it.
I don't want to be selfish, but I don't want to be a push-over either. I'm struggling to find the balance.
That has definitely effected the way that I interact with men. I will either not even try for a relationship because I don't know where I want to settle down, so I don't want to deal with the problem of separating in the future or I fall too hard and end up in a challenging long-distance relationship. Then there's the combo of school and long-distance relationships (been there, done that).
Even if you take all of that out of the equation, I'm beginning to think that there aren't many good guys out there. I'm not saying that they don't exist. I'm just saying that their population is dwindling. If you find one, he's probably got some pretty big baggage.
Let me back up a little. Is it really so impossible to find a decent, educated man who is single?
I know it doesn't sound like much to ask for. If I were to loosely define decent, I would include treating women with respect under it's definition. Honestly, I don't think that's too much to ask for nor do I think that I should settle for anything less (so when I am asked why I don't try to find a nice, Japanese man, I leave out the whole diatribe against the way men behave in this culture).
As I was saying...
Another thing that seems to present a challenge, is the amount of single men who have children (I know,women have them too, but I'm focusing on the issue of men with children for now). Since I began dating, I have always known of, at least a few men, who already have children. I've even dated men with children. This is where things get sticky. I have nothing against children (I was a nanny for more than 10 years. In fact, I adore MOST children). But when you're dealing with the behaviors of ex-wives or ex-girlfriends of your current man, it can be rough. Some women are just cruel and/or psycho. Aside from the ex's antics, it puts the new girlfriend in an awkward postion. For one thing, we want to be supportive to the kids and our man. On the other hand, most of us don't want to bad-mouth the ex in front of the children. However, when we can clearly see her manipulation and patterns of behavior and how they are affecting our new man, it is difficult. If we say something, we risk being accused of "not understanding" or "not knowing the whole story". Or we are sometimes told to mind our own business, or my favorite "I can't do much about it, because she's my baby's mama". The worst part is the way some of these women use their children to manipulate their ex-men. They have them so afraid of never being able to see their children again, that these men would do anything.
So what I see, is that the women who are acting like this, never should have been with these men in the first place. And the women who ended up with the dead-beat ex should not be in the position they are either. WHY do these extreme opposites attract!? I'm sure I could write a dissertation on this, but I will try to steer away from this. Anyway, all of that to say, that I am attracted to decent men with values. Unfortunately, most of these men come with this kind of drama. I'm no saint, but I don't have this much drama. Is it selfish for me to not want to choose this? Am I a fool for even accepting that this kind of relationship will probably be my fate?
I want a relationship that is 50/50. Not 75/25 or even 50/25/25. I don't think that an ex should be given so much power. I do think that she has every right to her children and that the parents should work things out, but I don't think that her power should extend to an exclusion from all holidays or important events. I say "C'mon people!We are the adults here."
All of that said, I feel like I have one of two options, I can either accept that I will most likely have to deal with an ex or two in future relationships OR, I can make a list of exactly what I want in a man and not waver from that list (and more than likely remain single for eternity).
Neither of these choices would effect my immediate future, because I am not "talking" to anyone right now.
I don't feel as though I am desparate either. I just like trying to be prepared for what may present itself in the future. That's all.
Maybe someday, I will be brave and post my list. Or maybe not. That way, if I do happen upon a decent man, I will know that there is no way he could have seen that list before. ;+)
I'm very thankful to live in a place that is prepared (including structurally) for earthquakes.
My sister should be in Japan now. She is studying in Osaka. Unfortunately, that is far from where I am, but I am hoping to visit her one weekend while she is here.
In the mean-time, we are both missing out on a family reunion back home. It is the first one in years on my dad's side of the family. My brother and his wife are missing it too. I guess that's what happens when you grow up. Still, it would be nice to see some of my family that I haven't seen in years.
Recently, I've been thinking about my life and my interactions with others. For so long, I've managed to do what is expected of me (except getting married). But I'm always doing what someone wants me to do. I'm struggling with living MY life. I'm always compromising for someone else and when I do try to stand firm, I'm told that I'm being selfish or that I should just get over it.
I don't want to be selfish, but I don't want to be a push-over either. I'm struggling to find the balance.
That has definitely effected the way that I interact with men. I will either not even try for a relationship because I don't know where I want to settle down, so I don't want to deal with the problem of separating in the future or I fall too hard and end up in a challenging long-distance relationship. Then there's the combo of school and long-distance relationships (been there, done that).
Even if you take all of that out of the equation, I'm beginning to think that there aren't many good guys out there. I'm not saying that they don't exist. I'm just saying that their population is dwindling. If you find one, he's probably got some pretty big baggage.
Let me back up a little. Is it really so impossible to find a decent, educated man who is single?
I know it doesn't sound like much to ask for. If I were to loosely define decent, I would include treating women with respect under it's definition. Honestly, I don't think that's too much to ask for nor do I think that I should settle for anything less (so when I am asked why I don't try to find a nice, Japanese man, I leave out the whole diatribe against the way men behave in this culture).
As I was saying...
Another thing that seems to present a challenge, is the amount of single men who have children (I know,women have them too, but I'm focusing on the issue of men with children for now). Since I began dating, I have always known of, at least a few men, who already have children. I've even dated men with children. This is where things get sticky. I have nothing against children (I was a nanny for more than 10 years. In fact, I adore MOST children). But when you're dealing with the behaviors of ex-wives or ex-girlfriends of your current man, it can be rough. Some women are just cruel and/or psycho. Aside from the ex's antics, it puts the new girlfriend in an awkward postion. For one thing, we want to be supportive to the kids and our man. On the other hand, most of us don't want to bad-mouth the ex in front of the children. However, when we can clearly see her manipulation and patterns of behavior and how they are affecting our new man, it is difficult. If we say something, we risk being accused of "not understanding" or "not knowing the whole story". Or we are sometimes told to mind our own business, or my favorite "I can't do much about it, because she's my baby's mama". The worst part is the way some of these women use their children to manipulate their ex-men. They have them so afraid of never being able to see their children again, that these men would do anything.
So what I see, is that the women who are acting like this, never should have been with these men in the first place. And the women who ended up with the dead-beat ex should not be in the position they are either. WHY do these extreme opposites attract!? I'm sure I could write a dissertation on this, but I will try to steer away from this. Anyway, all of that to say, that I am attracted to decent men with values. Unfortunately, most of these men come with this kind of drama. I'm no saint, but I don't have this much drama. Is it selfish for me to not want to choose this? Am I a fool for even accepting that this kind of relationship will probably be my fate?
I want a relationship that is 50/50. Not 75/25 or even 50/25/25. I don't think that an ex should be given so much power. I do think that she has every right to her children and that the parents should work things out, but I don't think that her power should extend to an exclusion from all holidays or important events. I say "C'mon people!We are the adults here."
All of that said, I feel like I have one of two options, I can either accept that I will most likely have to deal with an ex or two in future relationships OR, I can make a list of exactly what I want in a man and not waver from that list (and more than likely remain single for eternity).
Neither of these choices would effect my immediate future, because I am not "talking" to anyone right now.
I don't feel as though I am desparate either. I just like trying to be prepared for what may present itself in the future. That's all.
Maybe someday, I will be brave and post my list. Or maybe not. That way, if I do happen upon a decent man, I will know that there is no way he could have seen that list before. ;+)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Holy Shark Bite, Batman!
Do you know what you are eating? Usually, I do. In other cases, ignorance is bliss. I learned something very interesting though. There is one kind of fish that I like. I think it's because it isn't usually greasy and it doesn't have a lot of bones when we eat it. For some reason, I had the idea that it was a kind of perch (don't ask where I got that idea). Well, I just found out that it's shark!
I know, I was shocked, too. Apparently, it is cheap because you can get a lot of meat from one shark (makes sense). Of course, we live on a big island, so sharks are plentiful. So we tend to eat it a lot in school lunches (again, I didn't know this!). Now I can say that I have eaten shark and, in fact, I think it's delicious.
I know, I was shocked, too. Apparently, it is cheap because you can get a lot of meat from one shark (makes sense). Of course, we live on a big island, so sharks are plentiful. So we tend to eat it a lot in school lunches (again, I didn't know this!). Now I can say that I have eaten shark and, in fact, I think it's delicious.
I Just Want to Sleep
Today, I left my phone at home. That sucks.
I have two classes today. Woot!
It's hot today. The temp has climbed 10 degrees in one hour.
It's Friday the 13th. Lucky me?
I'm so sleepy. Possibly due to the weather. Possibly do to the fact that I have too much going on outside of school. I don't know.
It's Friday. WOO HOO!
The teacher across from me keeps picking his nose. Gross
Today's menu includes chicken curry. Yum.
Did I mention that it's Friday? I'm excited to get some sleep!
I need a new memory card for my camera. One gig wasn't enough.
My sister comes to Japan in two days. Unfortunately, we will not be in the same area.
This quarter ends in five weeks. I feel like I just got here.
Tomorrow, I'm hanging out with Max. That means we get to eat hamburgers or something western. Yeah!
I'm having a hard time abstaining from caffeine. I had my first coffee in months. I loved it, but I am not getting into that habit again.
I'm having a very hard time saying no to soda right now.
I've had two weeks of quiet from my neighbors. ^_^
I just want to sleep.
I have two classes today. Woot!
It's hot today. The temp has climbed 10 degrees in one hour.
It's Friday the 13th. Lucky me?
I'm so sleepy. Possibly due to the weather. Possibly do to the fact that I have too much going on outside of school. I don't know.
It's Friday. WOO HOO!
The teacher across from me keeps picking his nose. Gross
Today's menu includes chicken curry. Yum.
Did I mention that it's Friday? I'm excited to get some sleep!
I need a new memory card for my camera. One gig wasn't enough.
My sister comes to Japan in two days. Unfortunately, we will not be in the same area.
This quarter ends in five weeks. I feel like I just got here.
Tomorrow, I'm hanging out with Max. That means we get to eat hamburgers or something western. Yeah!
I'm having a hard time abstaining from caffeine. I had my first coffee in months. I loved it, but I am not getting into that habit again.
I'm having a very hard time saying no to soda right now.
I've had two weeks of quiet from my neighbors. ^_^
I just want to sleep.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Stuff
This past weekend, my friend Claudia came to visit. I really wasn't sure what to expect because we have always had another friend with us whenever we've done anything before. Also, I had previously canceled on her during Golden Week.
Well, I really don't know why I'm such a Worry-Wart. We had the best time! I really enjoyed spending time with her.
I've decided that I like living near Tokyo. It has allowed me to have a few visitors and to get to know these friends better. I only wish that they didn't live so far away from me.
I took two days off of work while Claudia was here. Our school still has student teachers, so there is nothing for me to do, except to sit at my desk. I'm not even allowed to observe the teachers unless they (the student teachers) say it's ok. Of course, they are all so nervous to begin with, so throwing in a native speaker probably wouldn't help matters. If it were me, though, I would want as much feed-back as possible. Needless to say, I am trying to be very creative at looking busy.
Sometimes I wonder why I am getting paid. On days like today, I rush to work in the monsoon, bring extra clothes because there is no chance of me getting to school even half-dry, rush to change my clothes...only to sit at my desk all day.
Oh well, I'm available if needed. I actually helped one of the teachers work through a grammar point today, but that took all of 2 minutes at my desk. After which, he thanked me in French. He said a few more words before I responded. Seriously, it freaks him out to speak English to me, so he speaks in French. It freaks him out even more if I respond. It's kind of fun to watch him squirm sometimes.
Well, I have a lot of time n my hands today, but I am really tired. It was raining so hard, that the noise woke me up at 4:30 this morning and I have been awake ever-since. Not to mention that I didn't go to bed until midnight. PLUS, it's Thursday. That means that I have to hurry home to teach two English lessons. I won't finish up until 9 tonight. :+( I'm seriously considering canceling my second lesson and just calling it an early night, but I'm still undecided.
Anyway, I'm sure that I'll have more to talk about later (as in today). I'm here with nothing else to do.
Well, I really don't know why I'm such a Worry-Wart. We had the best time! I really enjoyed spending time with her.
I've decided that I like living near Tokyo. It has allowed me to have a few visitors and to get to know these friends better. I only wish that they didn't live so far away from me.
I took two days off of work while Claudia was here. Our school still has student teachers, so there is nothing for me to do, except to sit at my desk. I'm not even allowed to observe the teachers unless they (the student teachers) say it's ok. Of course, they are all so nervous to begin with, so throwing in a native speaker probably wouldn't help matters. If it were me, though, I would want as much feed-back as possible. Needless to say, I am trying to be very creative at looking busy.
Sometimes I wonder why I am getting paid. On days like today, I rush to work in the monsoon, bring extra clothes because there is no chance of me getting to school even half-dry, rush to change my clothes...only to sit at my desk all day.
Oh well, I'm available if needed. I actually helped one of the teachers work through a grammar point today, but that took all of 2 minutes at my desk. After which, he thanked me in French. He said a few more words before I responded. Seriously, it freaks him out to speak English to me, so he speaks in French. It freaks him out even more if I respond. It's kind of fun to watch him squirm sometimes.
Well, I have a lot of time n my hands today, but I am really tired. It was raining so hard, that the noise woke me up at 4:30 this morning and I have been awake ever-since. Not to mention that I didn't go to bed until midnight. PLUS, it's Thursday. That means that I have to hurry home to teach two English lessons. I won't finish up until 9 tonight. :+( I'm seriously considering canceling my second lesson and just calling it an early night, but I'm still undecided.
Anyway, I'm sure that I'll have more to talk about later (as in today). I'm here with nothing else to do.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Typhoon
The weather has been really crazy lately. This week, we have had forecasts like: rain followed by showers, or partly cloudy, possibly sunny, etc...
Yesterday's forecast said showers, but it was sunny and hot. This morning, I was sure it would be sunny and warm. It was almost 80 degrees when I left for work this morning. There were scattered clouds, but the clouds did not look like rain clouds. I have heard rumors all week of a typhoon, so I have been taking my umbrella with me everyday. Well, about 30 minutes ago, the temperature quickly dropped and now it's raining. The wind hasn't picked up yet. It's only 11:00, so I'm guessing that by the time I'm supposed to go home at 4:00, it will be pouring.
I'm so happy that I brought my umbrella today.
As with many other things in this country, the weather is not always what it appears to be. I have learned that it's impossible to take anything at face value here. There are moments of brutal honesty (that are deemed acceptable), but mostly, people here don't say what they feel or think. It's very confusing. My head is always swimming.
On a kind of related topic, I have been wondering why all of the big sporting events for the schools are planned during typhoon seasons. It hasn't failed (since I've been here) that the events get postponed because of the weather. I don't get it.
Yesterday's forecast said showers, but it was sunny and hot. This morning, I was sure it would be sunny and warm. It was almost 80 degrees when I left for work this morning. There were scattered clouds, but the clouds did not look like rain clouds. I have heard rumors all week of a typhoon, so I have been taking my umbrella with me everyday. Well, about 30 minutes ago, the temperature quickly dropped and now it's raining. The wind hasn't picked up yet. It's only 11:00, so I'm guessing that by the time I'm supposed to go home at 4:00, it will be pouring.
I'm so happy that I brought my umbrella today.
As with many other things in this country, the weather is not always what it appears to be. I have learned that it's impossible to take anything at face value here. There are moments of brutal honesty (that are deemed acceptable), but mostly, people here don't say what they feel or think. It's very confusing. My head is always swimming.
On a kind of related topic, I have been wondering why all of the big sporting events for the schools are planned during typhoon seasons. It hasn't failed (since I've been here) that the events get postponed because of the weather. I don't get it.
Wednesday's Woes
Today is another one of those (wink, wink) busy days. I'm at school in presence only.
I finally figured out that the intimidating people walking around in suits for the past two weeks, are student teachers. I think that they looked imposing, because they were just scared to be here. Now they are beginning to relax. They are also starting on their student teaching in our school this week. The student teachers of English may or may not use me. So I'm pretty much on call today. Yesterday and tomorrow are elementary visits for me.
Yeah, about that. I've figured out (at least in this area of Japan) that something happens between the 5th and 6th grades. I understand why grades 6-8 were considered middle school for so long. I think that it's a great idea actually. Anyway, without getting into too many details, my last class yesterday was with 6th graders. The first class of 6th graders that I taught yesterday were pretty good. There were a few kids who were "too cool" for English class, but that's to be expected. My last class though, was a nightmare. I was heckled, mocked, and treated horribly. The teacher either ignored or was oblivious to what was happening most of the time. A few times, she intervened. I don't think that she realized how much I understood of what the kids were saying. I was so happy that I didn't have my regular class last night, because I seriously needed some time to myself after that.
On the bright side, I saw 8 of my former students while on my way to the elementary school yesterday. That was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. They were on the tennis team and going to a match. They were on bikes with their helmets and school uniforms (it was cute). I should note that very few people wear helmets here, but during school hours and activities, they are required to.
Also, last night I went to the neighborhood grocery store. I saw another former student. She is now in high school. Her name is Aya and she always called me "midori" because my eyes are green. She would go around asking all of the teachers about their eye colors and would then say that there was only one teacher who had green eyes. She would then pose dramatically and then say "Hollie-sensei". She always made me laugh. We talked for several minutes yesterday, so that made me really happy. ^_^ It also reminded me that there are plenty of students that I've been able to make small connections with and who are just as happy to see me as I am to see them.
So overall, I still love my students...most of them anyways.
I finally figured out that the intimidating people walking around in suits for the past two weeks, are student teachers. I think that they looked imposing, because they were just scared to be here. Now they are beginning to relax. They are also starting on their student teaching in our school this week. The student teachers of English may or may not use me. So I'm pretty much on call today. Yesterday and tomorrow are elementary visits for me.
Yeah, about that. I've figured out (at least in this area of Japan) that something happens between the 5th and 6th grades. I understand why grades 6-8 were considered middle school for so long. I think that it's a great idea actually. Anyway, without getting into too many details, my last class yesterday was with 6th graders. The first class of 6th graders that I taught yesterday were pretty good. There were a few kids who were "too cool" for English class, but that's to be expected. My last class though, was a nightmare. I was heckled, mocked, and treated horribly. The teacher either ignored or was oblivious to what was happening most of the time. A few times, she intervened. I don't think that she realized how much I understood of what the kids were saying. I was so happy that I didn't have my regular class last night, because I seriously needed some time to myself after that.
On the bright side, I saw 8 of my former students while on my way to the elementary school yesterday. That was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. They were on the tennis team and going to a match. They were on bikes with their helmets and school uniforms (it was cute). I should note that very few people wear helmets here, but during school hours and activities, they are required to.
Also, last night I went to the neighborhood grocery store. I saw another former student. She is now in high school. Her name is Aya and she always called me "midori" because my eyes are green. She would go around asking all of the teachers about their eye colors and would then say that there was only one teacher who had green eyes. She would then pose dramatically and then say "Hollie-sensei". She always made me laugh. We talked for several minutes yesterday, so that made me really happy. ^_^ It also reminded me that there are plenty of students that I've been able to make small connections with and who are just as happy to see me as I am to see them.
So overall, I still love my students...most of them anyways.
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