2008.09.29

Today I met 3-1 for the first time. Imagine, a month in and I'm still meeting classes. It was fun. Met a kid who really likes nato...or really likes saying 'yes' in English. I'm not 100% sure. Had some fun with some other grades. And by 'some other' I mean one other class.
After lunch, I took off to go to a seminar. The seminar was pretty fun. Got to learn some classic activities...y'know...since it's over classic activities and all.
Now, I think I'll try to find some songs to use for classes. That should take a while.

2008.09.28

Today I meet a man from Iran. It was nice. We sat and chatted for a few hours. He got a laugh out of my Farsi, but, it was an enjoyable time. Not much happened other than that. And that I got my sweaters. I enjoy them, and will wait until it's a little later to start wearing them.

2008.09.27

Wakuwaku Cooking was pretty fun today. We made all sorts of things. And, by we, I mean these two students I "helped" made all sorts of things. Udon, kinako, zunda, and pumpkin pudding. Good stuff. I ate too much 'cause that's just what I did. No real reason other than that.
Got my books today from Amazon. They are nice. Onomatopoeia study time has commenced.

2008.09.26

I am so glad I ordered those sweaters. It's like 60 degrees here now. Maybe a little less. I actually wore a long sleeve shirt today and was good for most of the day. But, come around 4 it was rather chilly.
Had some fun with third years. Played Battleship with some first years. After school, I got to help two girls with English. Yup. Not much to report.

2008.09.25

Yanagiu Elementary School has stolen my heart. It has. Those 3rd years are so cute. Needless to say, class went reasonably well today. I had fun. I don't know if it's an elementary school thing or what, but there always seems to be at least one rather cute. Nishi Nakada has one. Yanagiu has one. I think it's a thing with them. I was worried for no particular reason other than the normal amount of worry that one should have before basically putting on a performance for them kids. There were quite a few kids with brothers/sisters at the middle school...but, seeing as how most of them, if not all, are going to go to Yanagiu Middle it really isn't so surprising. Either way, it was fun, we introduced ourselves, and sang a song. They seem to enjoy the songs, interacting, and pictures. That Thor comic I bought has seriously gotten some mileage in the past day. Luckily, he's strong, so he can handle it. I still haven't finished reading it. I have a copy in America, and one here, and yet I still haven't finished reading it. I would call myself a slacker, but, I still haven't finished introducing myself to the students, so Thor stays at school in case I feel like whipping him out while introducing myself.
Anyway, I went to the middle school by bus 'cause I'm awesome like that. Apparently I turned in the business trip sheet too late 'cause the fact that I went to Yanagiu Elementary wasn't written on the board and I felt like a huge ass. I feel like I let the teachers down, but there isn't much that I can do about it now. ...and I did at least turn the sheet in...just late. Like a day late. Seriously. Sucks.



...and I just ordered some onomatopoeia books. Awesome. Since, you know, I needed to know more than just ira ira and doki doki. Fo' realz.

2008.09.24

I had some fun with the first years today. I met 1-6 finally. That was fun. Did my self-intro and then played Hangman for the rest of class.
Other than that, not much to report. I feel like a slacker and really want to go get drunk with friends, but I teach elementary school tomorrow so that means a full night of sleep and half a pot of coffee tomorrow morning. Maybe I'll watch a movie...

Just after 10 PM...

First earthquake in Sendai that I'm sure I've felt happened at that time last night. It was about a three or four on the Japanese scale, so not so big. Just enough to either confuse you into thinking you felt one/letting you know you felt one. My neighbors dog if very bad at Earthquake warnings. I felt the thing before he did. Aren't they supposed to be all knowing when it comes to things shaking up the ground around them? I mean, for real. Start barking before the Earthquake next time, okay Spot?

2008.09.23

Not exactly 11 yet, but now is just as good as then to update. Now is a little better, 'cause by 11 I should be in bed. Doesn't mean that I will be in bed, just that I should.
Anyway, I didn't get to Yodobashi (an electronics store) today for a scanner. Maybe Saturday or Sunday. I did, however, get me some kick arse sneakers. You must admit, those some nice kicks. Men's shoes, 'cause that is how I do in Japan since women's shoes are too small as a general statement. And by general statement I mean that it is the case. I think the super-huge-women's shoes stop at about 24/25 cm. I'm closer to 27cm. These shoes are 26~26.5 cm and are very close to being too small, but I've got a good bit left before they are too small. Well, anyway, I got these shoes 1) 'cause I need them (I can join the gym now!!), and 2) I wore heels after a good while of not and my feet are NOT properly calloused, so, needless to say, there was pain. I only have one blister, but the balls of my feet are still a little angry at me and it's been over an hour since I took my heels off. But, before this giant shoe wearing fiasco occurred, Jessica and I meet up at Loft. I just wanted to buy some paper to try to make an English-word-of-the-week Comic thing, but, instead, I bough 21 Copics markers. I enjoy the markers greatly and want to get more. I've started down a dangerous road of marker buying and picture coloring. There's no turning back now. Nothing I can do but send some of my money back to America before it turns into markers (...or books...). I did get me some nice colors. The 'Night Blue' is especially nice, as is...well the rest of them. I also got 'Special Black' 'cause I was kinda wondering what was so special about it. Perhaps it's blacker than the normal black? Perhaps it gives back massages in the middle of the night? Who knows. All I know is that they are awesome, and that I spent way too much money today. And, Jessica was looking for a gift for her mom. It just wasn't me and markers leading people around. And she bought a stamp, so it was good for her too.
Tea time. Yup, we went to Afternoon Tea and had Cafe Ole's. It was good. That tea place is so nice! Really beautiful atmosphere.
From there, we went over to the AER building (which I lovingly referred to as the 'Maruzen building' when I couldn't remember what the actual building was called). There, we looked around a little for a nice shirt for her and then went to Office Vendor. She bought a notebook and a pencil, and I bought a no-line notebook and a pencil (.03 lead powaaa!). Then, we went to Maruzen. I bought even more books. I got "The 13th Tale" 'cause I had a huge desire to read it again, and then "Through Pictures, learn French/Russian/Italian" (3 different books). Those should be fun except that they don't really help with accents. Oh well, Jessica knows French so she can help with that, I know what Italian sounds like since I've studied it before, and I can listen to Russian podcasts and whatnot. It really is so true for me when they say in my Natal Report: "Sometimes you have difficulty remaining focuses, because the only thing better than what you are learning right now is what is on your intellectual horizon." Seriously. Too true for words, me thinks. I'm about half way done studying Japanese and already I'm ready for the next thing. BUT, I AM going to take the JPLT in June or July (I've decided this!) so I besta study. Not to mention, I really want to be able to read books in Japanese in a leisurely fashion instead of a studying fashion. I am. I will. It's a ¥6,000 investment that I'd rather not have to pay for twice for the same certification. Therefore, studying is the BEST idea.
ANYWAY, after that we kinda walked went to S-Pal (my feet were REALLY killing me at this point). We couldn't find a shirt for her though :(
We went into the Station to go to a restaurant, but didn't find anything that was both delicious and not expensive.
Then, the shoe store (which is in the AER building so we walked BACK to it, I bought my kicks, and changed them in the bathroom).
Jessica then called someone who she was going to meet up with possibly today. The girl asked for her to come, so we went to the Subway station and parted ways. Once back at my stop, I went to the kyuukyuu (¥99 store) and bought 2 things of milk, a Peach Tea, and an Apple Tea. Then I came home, took a shower, took that sneaker picture, and wrote this. I also drunk the Apple Tea and made rice somewhere in there. Now, I'm going to make a Battleship game and then go to sleep. I'm also going to eat the rice at some point before going to bed.

ps: Russian was the biggest of the three...just like in real life.

pps: I also bought 4 sweaters off the internet and spent WAY too much money doing that, but they should be here in time to keep me warm. ...'cause my school ain't got central heating, and neither does my apartment. Not to mention, they are some pretty sweet sweaters. Unfortunately, one is back ordered. This is them:
Numero Uno
Nibanme
Trois
My back ordered friend
As you can tell, too much money, but I really do like them...and will be transferring funds to cover it. I think the cost is worth it to be queerly dressed while teaching "No, you do not play study, you study. You don't play ski either, you ski." I figure I'm already strange, I might as well do it in clothes that I like. Although I think I might have gotten the wrong size for one or two. But, we shall see. Normally I don't mind a little loose, but I have one shirt that is loose and ventures into the realm of risque if I'm not careful with it. Sweaters generally don't have that problem though. Not to mention I've eaten so much lately 'cause of the cold that I think I gained a little weight. So, definitely time to hit the gym. Hit it like a ton of less-than-graceful bricks...but I think I'll have to wait to join until the beginning of next month. But, there is dance classes for once I get feeling better (still not 100% so I don't want to push it until I'm sure I'm fine).

WHOOOOOO HOOOO!!!

HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!






Details at 11.

2008.09.22

I talked to a little kid today. Life is good. Okay, so he just kinda asked if I worked 'over at that school,' and I kinda said yes, and then he kinda said that he can't read English, and then I kinda said good luck to him, and then we kinda crossed the street. Yeah, it's a good story. I think I'll tell this one to someone's grandkids when I get a little older. Maybe tomorrow if I can find some who speak English 'cause I like the story in English better.
Oh, I also had the privilege to see a pigeon poop for the first time. As in it was my first time to see this, not as in it was the pigeon's firs poop. I'm pretty sure that pigeon has pooped many times before. Honestly, Japan holds most of my pigeon firsts. In Japan was the first time I've seen them 'getting it on,' and the first poop time. I don't know what's next, but I'm pretty sure it's gonna go down here, in Japan. Hopefully outside.
As for school, I got to have fun with second years. They no longer seem to be as...unapproachable as I first feared. Not to mention a couple of my most favorite girls from the Volleyball team are second year. I admit, it was pretty fun even if they speak rather low.
Tomorrow is a holiday, so I'm going shopping...for a scanner 'cause I want one and think it'll be beneficial to my life.
...and I gotta make up activities for them kids and that there edukaishun.

2008.09.21

Today, I did not leave my apartment. I worked on some pictures that I owe people, and wrote a couple of chapters of my story. All I can really say is that I think it helped me get better, and my bum hurts. I doubt those two are connected, but they are both true. Gonna go to bed early today too. I'm almost back to 100%, so I don't wanna ruin it with a nigh of fun. Actually, I think my bum would protest before I made it to 9.00PM. It's just after 8PM and I think my bums about to revolt. Tomorrow's school, then, the next day is a day off. I think I shall go scanner shopping, and, failing at that, marker shopping.
And I found out something a little sad. They are opening up ANOTHER bookstore come November. It's sad just 'cause that means that there is ANOTHER bookstore. It's not actually a sad thing...unless you're my bank account. Oh well. I do have self control and I will try to use it.

2008.09.17-20

We call this "One fell swoop post," 'cause I ain't doing one for all of them days mostly 'cause not much happened, but I will try to space it out...
17) Went to school, had some laughs...okay, not many laughs. Still sick, still in that god-awful mask, and still rocking out like only a foreigner in Japan 'teaching' English can. I meet with the teachers from Yanagiu Elementary School. Which was pretty good 'cause at that point I could barely speak. YEAH, IT WAS LOADS OF FUN. That, and I kinda don't feel like going there...I'M APPREHENSIVE BECAUSE THEY WANT ME TO SING A SONG THAT I DON'T KNOW AT ALL. And, yes, that does make me quake in my ¥45 mask. It does. Came home, ate a lot, slept.
18) Didn't really have much to do...at least I don't think that I did. I don't remember. I know it was a half day for them kiddies, and that there was a buffet style lunch, but I don't remember much other than that. I stayed until 4, then left. Came home, ate a lot, slept.
19) NO SCHOOL!!! I went book shopping 'cause I'm a sucker for paydays and books. Well, that, and I was looking for 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' which they didn't have. So I bought 'Dubliners' instead. Have yet to start on it, but I have it. Other than that, I'M GETTING SO DAMN TIRED OF EATING. THIS COLD BETTER BE GONE SOON 'CAUSE I DON'T THINK I CAN STUFF MY FACE MUCH LONGER.
20) Woke early and did laundry. Drew a picture. Finished a book. Ate more than even god could handle. Wrote this. Life evens itself out.

2008.09.16

Went to work today. Wasn't too bad, but when I had about an hour and a half to go, I really didn't think I was going to make it. I did almost pass out. And I think I'm let one of the teachers down because I couldn't come up with an activity. I've gotta try harder on that front. It's just a little hard since I still have no idea what I'm doing, and I wanted to pass out. That was a factor. Just gotta make it through Thursday, and then I'll be good! (no school on Friday. But I do have to go to the Immigration Office) Aww man, this would be the perfect time to take a vacation! No school on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, take off Monday, and no school Tuesday!!!! It would be PERFECT, but I'm not even sure I can MAKE it through Thursday let alone go for a trip. And, I do need to go to the Immigration Office since I think they only open during the week, and I don't want to take off to go get my re-entry permit (which I need in case something comes up, or I take a trip to somewhere not in Japan).
Either way, went to work, let people down, and wore a mask. I don't think life's improving, but at least it's not standing still. Now to just work on the crap ton of projects I got going and stop being so damnedly lazy.

2008.09.15

Yup. Definitely sick. I better be just peachy tomorrow mornin' 'cause I ain't takin' time offa work for a lousy cold that seems to be only affecting my nose. I'm still rather stuffy, but otherwise doing pretty fine. I really didn't do anything today. I woke up, blew my nose some, made breakfast while blowing my nose, ate it, blew my nose, did other things that I'm not sure about but I know involved blowing my nose, eventually made some kind of lunch, need more things while blowing my nose, and made dinner. While/after typing this I'm sure there will be nose blowing. But, a thing of note, I did clean/organize my room some. I got my bookshelf in a nice place where hopefully it won't kill me in the even of an earthquake while I'm at my desk. Hey. Did you know that Sendai is due for a giant earthquake? Yeah, I haven't really told many people that 'cause it might scare them. Personally a level 7 earthquake on the Japanese scale is pretty damn scary. You remember that giant Kobe earthquake years ago? Yeah, I think that was a 7. And I still don't have my earthquake kit prepared. I have 2 2 liter bottles filled with water and that is it. And I have that mostly 'cause I have the bottles and felt like it. But, on a good note, I also got a bin to put all me unmentionables in, and they are in it now. Well, except for the dirty ones/ones in use/ones that aren't 'cause they just aren't. Just a couple of more containers and things and my room will be organized. Just gotta work on some decorations. As it is, I have a calendar hanging on the wall, as well as a couple of bras (don't ask, the room comes with one wall that has movable hooks). I think I can do better than that. But, taking it slowly as to not buy more than I need and so I don't wind up with no money. Although, tomorrow you better believe that I'm buyin' me some OJ...I ran out. I'm down to tea, water, and vodka. And I highly doubt the Vodka is what I should be drinking. Yup, I think I'll be fine for school tomorrow. I'm down to one throat drop thing, but I can get some tomorrow from the Kyuukyuu on my way to the bus stop. I'm probably gonna be picking up some fruit like drink to take to work with me anyway, so I might as well so that as well.
Still feeding the cold, so I'm off to finish the egg fried rice I made.

2008.09.14

So...I am sick. I think it's a cold or something. Nothing is quite as lovely as being sick in a foreign country. But, I did manage to get some snazzy lime flavored throat drops yesterday, so those have been my savior for the day. Honestly, my throat doesn't hurt, but my nose is stuffier than an 18th century widow at a whore house. Not too sure what that means, but I hope it means pretty stuffy, 'cause I am. I'm also missing out on 'the BEST festival Sendai has to offer.' That being the Jazz festival. I'm pretty sad about missing it, but no way I'm leaving this apartment again. I think I might have an elevated temperature. Oh well. Tomorrow is holiday. I think it's 'respect elders' holiday or something. Such a shame I don't know the students well enough to see about getting a few to come and cook for me. Maybe clean my room. That would be sweet.
But, despite my apparent lack of enthusium for going out, I did go out. In the morning, I went to 'Shop 99' (called 'Kyuukyuu' by the cool kids - ie, me) and bought me some eggs ('cause I wanted some), some egg bread, and a crap ton of juice. 3 1000ml of OJ, and a smaller Veggie+Fruit juice. I also bought a sandwich and a packet of inari (rice in a fried tofu wrapper). And a snack called Caramel Corn. Oh, and some Okayu (what Japanese people eat when sick - kinda like Chicken soup for Americans). Came back and ate most of that (the okayu - not yet...the eggs too). Laid down for a little 'cause I honestly haven't eaten that much in a while. My breakfast is usually a pear of something right before I run out the door and arrive early to wait for my bus. After that, I made some Okayu (not the stuff from the Kyuukyuu), and scrambled up 3 eggs. You know what they say: "Feed a cold, starve a fever." ...at least I hope that is what they say 'cause I have no intention of missing classes since I still haven't even meet half the students (fo' real. 800 kids, about 22 sections, and 7 of those get split into 2). I have most of the 2 years to see (I've only been to about 2 or 3 of those), and a few 3 years left, and like 1 first year left.
Well, after my food escapades, I went to the MALL to hang out and 'study' Japanese with 2 of the cool kids also teaching. We ended up going into an Italian restaurant and mostly sitting and not really studying much. Either way it was fun. I bought a container to put me socks, panties, and bras in since, as it is right now, they are on the floor in my closet and I want to get my apartment organized. I think when it's cleaner, I'll feel better. But, who knows. I still have a while to go on that, and I'm trying not to spend too much money and trying to save it. But, I did take another ¥10,000 out of my account. I hopefully won't use it until next payday (Friday!!!! or maybe Thursday since we have no school on Friday cause the Cultural Festival was yesterday). It's not that I'm running out of money, I just want to save as much as I can...without not living...if that makes sense. I think I'm going to see about getting a scanner. I miss drawing. I don't know why (I kinda do though) but I feel like I can't draw if I can't show it 'cause mostly it'll be stuff that I owe people. Either way, I've got a ¥10,000 gift card comin' my way as soon as I go to Yodobashi (an electronics store) and turn some sheets of paper in. Imagine, all I had to do was sign-up for the internet and they give me money. Maybe I can get some tissues too. Y'know, I'm not really a tissue person. Only when I'm sick do I use them. Luckily, my keeper insisted I get some. I don't know how much longer the box my predecessor left me will keep. I used like 20 last night (not quite, but I did use a lot).
Anyway, I'm back at my apartment, blowing my nose, and drinking OJ. I had to go to the bathroom like about 35 minutes ago, so I should get up and do that.

2008.09.13

SCHOOL FESTIVAL. We had that today.
It was fun. I scare the kids by asking their names...and then there is that one kid I jumped to go write a message. I really didn't have much to do, so I enjoyed walking around and going to the concert that was in the gym. That was really cool. So many students are so talented, and teachers too. It makes me sad since I really have nothing. NO•THING.
Well, them the breaks.

...and I think I'm getting sick.

2008.09.12

I went to Nishi Nakada Elementary School today. It was fun. I think I like them kids.
Otherwise, not much happened today...other than the fact that some store got robbed by a guy using a pair of scissors. Us teachers got to do patrol as the students went home...2 hours later, granted, but it still got done. We patrolled with the best of them. I've never patrolled harder in my life. Of course, I've never really patrolled either, so it's not very hard to patrol hard under those circumstances.

...that, and I got home at about 7.00...or 7.30ish. Overtime is my favorite time <3

2008.09.11

Speech Contest.

Need I really say more?

Luckily I wasn't in it, just 2 of my students. I'm so proud of them; they've done REALLY well!! One got a prize in the third tier for the Essay section. The other didn't get any for recitation, but I think she should have. She was A-MAZE-ING. Oh well, not much to do about it. (pictures will be added later)
Afterwords, we all went back to school and gave a report about it. It was fun, but I was a little tired (now I'm full of energy, go figure!).
One of the head teachers - Ito-sensei - spoke with me about it. After that he I think half joked about starting an English club, but I'm more than 100% down for that. I kinda wanted to from the start, but we'll see how that goes (if anywhere). Then, upon trying to go to the shoe area, I got accosted by some first years. Accosted because it's been a while since I've said that word...and I think it's a good word. I spoke with them for a while, and then we all had to leave. When exiting, I ran into some 3rd years and they walked with me to the bus stop. All in all, it was a nice day "at school."
After my nice little bus ride to school, I went to "The MALL" and got some pictures printed off from the contest, and bought a bookshelf. I've yet to put it together (I'm eating dinner now), but it will be put together and then the fun part of attempting to figure out where to put it begins.

2008.09.10

There was an ALT meeting today. We taught food at Kamisugiyamadori Elementary School...or some name like that. It's long, and it's late. Correct names are not in my top 10 things to do/remember right now. Either way, we taught, we had fun, we ate sandwiches for lunch, and I went back to school. I got to go around and 'help' (mostly watch) the kids prepare for the festival this weekend. It was pretty fun and rather interesting. I had a good time. I've started to learn some of the kids' names. It's rather difficult since there is about 800 of them, but I'm trying. I asked the kids to come up and ask me what their names are, so we'll see how that works out for me. I stayed after a little and watched the Volleyball kids practice...and by practice I mean I saw them running around and doing that kind of practice, not Volleyball practice per say. It was fun, and I can't wait to buy shoes so I can practice with them. Well, I don't necessarily want to buy the shoes, but that is a step that I need to take since I doubt they'll give me the shoes. I'm pretty sure they won't.

2008.09.09

Tests. Tests, tests, and more tests. Not so heavy on the grading today, but there were a lot of test taking today. Actually, half a day of it, but that is still quite a bit when it's the second day in a row and not finals. Poor first years were nervous 'cause I talk to quickly, but, for the listening section of the test, I spoke as quickly as I was told to. It's not my fault this time. For real. It's not. First time it was 'cause I was nervous as heck, but this time it wasn't. But, I did help grade a section of the test. I'm glad that they trust me enough to grade things. I went and asked if there was anything else I could do. There was. I stayed until about 6.30, and would have stayed a little longer, but one of the head teachers persuaded me otherwise. He also gave me a lift. We talked. It was nice. I think that I am lucky 'cause all the teachers seem pretty cool. And the students are pretty darn good too.

2008.09.08

My underwear keeps giving me a wedgie.

...it's true AND let's me start an entry without saying 'Today...'
well, anyway, today the kids had some tests, and they will tomorrow as well. So, for the first period or three I had nothing to do, so I studied me some Kanji. After that, I got to grade tests like there was no tomorrow. It was entertaining, but some of them made no sense. I do believe my favorite went something like this: I played with three dogs. I used a ball. It was pretty good. That kid is tops in my book. Tops.
Today was sunny...and hot. It was so sunny it actually hurt my eyes after so many days of rain and clouds. Most of the week seems like it's supposed to be pretty sunny, but we'll see how that goes.

2008.09.07

Today I met up with a couple of people and studied Japanese a little. Not too much, but it was still good 'cause it meant that I did something. It was fun. Next week we shall try it again.
After a little while studying, a couple of us decided to go to Maruzen to get study material. I know, I just went yesterday, but today I didn't buy anything although I did see a couple of Italian-English books which would be PERFECT for studying, but I didn't get 'em, since I'm running close to the limit I allowed myself for this month. But, I do need to buy bookshelves, so that will be a big purchase. That, and I want to buy markers, which will be a HUGE investment since they cost about ¥400 a pop. Either way, we went to Maruzen and then to a couple of stores in the Loft (where I saw the bookshelf that I think I'll buy one or two of, and the markers). After that, we went to have tea at Afternoon Tea, and got free book covers. (the picture is from my cell phone - it's Erica and Jessica) After that, we all went our separate ways.

2008.09.06

Today I woke up with a moderate hangover. I ate the udon that one of the teachers gave me last night/this morning. I don't know if it was what it was, or if it was because I was attempting to sober up, but it made my stomach a little upset. At about noon, I went out to see about buying a new bag (one with a zipper so my stuff doesn't fall out of it like it is now since the clasp broke). I couldn't find one, but I did find stuff to mail stuff in. And a cute smelly thing. After that, I went to the Maruzen to see about getting a book on onomatopoeia. I couldn't find 'em, but I did find a Italian-English-Japanese word book. So, I got that so I can continue to study Italian AND Japanese at the same time. My stomach wasn't too happy about being up, or out, so I went to a 'New Days' in Sendai station and bought 3 drinks (a water, a coke, and a juice). The cashier was kinda cute - he said 'see you,' which I'm not sure why, but made me happy. By cute, I mean that I kinda wanna pinch his cheeks and rub his head.
When I got to my subway stop, I bought 2 more drinks (a vitamin drink, and another water), then walked home. Today was the first non-rainy day for about a week or three. Rather surprising, really.

2008.09.05

Today I went to some first year classes instead of the third years like I was supposed to. It was fun. The kids have tests on Monday and Tuesday (which is why I didn't go to third year), so they need to study. It was fun. I got to grade a lot of work from the third years though. My favorite sentence so far has to be "I don't like rain because it's damp." I actually did laugh out loud at that. It's just so cute. This fellow has become #1 in my book for that sentence. I have no idea who he is, but I know he's a winner.
At around 7.00, I went to my welcome party. Enkai. A word one must come to know if in Japan for any length of time. Basically, enkai is a drinking party. Yeah, I got pretty drunk. I ate like 10 bites in an effort to get drunk so I'd relax. It was fun. Talked and laughed with my coworkers. One of them taught me how to be more lady-like in my Japanese. I think he was secretly poking fun at my bad Japanese, but it's all cool.
After that, was Nijikai (the after-party). That was fun too. One really drunk coworker kept asking if I like sexual harassment, and couldn't quite get that sexual harassment was harassment because it's unwanted attention. It was a rather fun party. But, I learned that my keeper will be leaving in about a year and a half to move to Yokohama and get married and all that stuff. It makes me sad, but there isn't much that I can do about it other then have fun while I can.
After the after-party, two teachers and myself waited around to get a ride from one of their girlfriends. One of the teachers bought more beer and udon from the conbini (I can't spell it correctly in English, but what a 7-11 is) right next to the bar we went to. The other teacher asked how long I was going to be in Japan, and I said probably for at least 2 years, and then he said that he hopes that I stay for longer - get married to a Japanese man and stay.

It was an interesting night to say the least. (yeah for being able to change the post date!)

2008.09.04

Today was my first day with second years. The girls are pretty cool, but the boys aren't nearly as cool. They are at that weird age, me thinks, where they feel that they are 'too cool for school,' so it makes them not as cool as they could be. Either way, it wasn't so bad, and I think I'll enjoy the challenge they may present. That, and I don't think Suzuki-sensei dislikes me - whooohooo! I thought she might, but it is just how we communicate with each other.
Definitely got to find out about the gym this weekend. That, and buy a yoga mat. And a book or two. Well, there goes my whole 'no buying' thing, doesn't it. Oh well, I need exercise badly, and those books have been a long time in the coming. Onomatopoeia waits for no man. And no man waits for onomatopoeia, so it's a shitty lifestyle.
Other than that, I gotta figure out a hair cut for myself. I want one, I just don't know how.

2008.09.03

Today was a practice session at some elementary school with a long name (Kamisugiyamadori). I got to do my self-intro (again!) today. I don't think it went too badly, but I definitely wasn't the best. I'm not sure if there was a worst since everybody just has a different way of going about things in an intro. Either way, it was fun. After that was the monthly ALT meeting. A lot of announcements. Pretty informative as far as announcing things went. But, I must say that I am enjoying my wallet. Expensive as it was, it does the job well and feel damn good doing it.
After the monthly meeting, I had coffee with one of my sempai's - Waylon - and had a good chat with him. Rather interesting fellow. Now if only I wasn't so socially awkward I might be able to have a less one sided conversation with him. Either way, the coffee was good, as was the conversation. After that, we took the subway and I walked him to his gym since it wasn't that far from where I was going. It started to storm. Not too heavy on the rain, but there was a little bit of lightning and thunder. It seems to be completely stopped now, however.
When I got home, I had a note from the Pelican - a postal system here in Japan - that my book from Amazon came, but he couldn't leave it. So, I gave him a nice little call and he redelivered it. I now have my Thor comic. Fun times. Fun times.

2008.09.02

Today I got to make a recording for the first year’s test. My lisp is annoying the heck out of me. I’ve got to train myself to get rid of it. I didn’t think it was that bad, but it is terrible! Today is also Yanagiu’s anniversary so a lot of teachers took off since the kids don’t have classes. But, there were a lot of teachers at school – more than I thought there would be. Either way, my keeper - Minako Obata - and I took a few hours off (3) and went and had lunch and went shopping for a wallet.
We went to AEON near her house. It's a large mall. Nothing too fancy except for the stores. We looked around, and since I had a hard time deciding what wallet to get we got our skin checked. Well, the water level of our skin. Both of us do not have enough! I guess that means that I need to take better care of my skin or something. I'm not sure what it really means, all I do know is that after that we went to a soap store and got our hands washed one and a half times. They were nice products, but a little pricey. After that, guess how much I paid for a wallet 'cause I'm still amazed. Have you guessed? About ¥10,000! I'd never do that in America, but, it's just what you do here. It's a nice wallet and my first real ladies wallet. No more shopping for this month...and it's only the 2nd. Shouldn't be too hard unless I run out of food. In which case, school lunch just got a lot more tasty.

2008.09.01

Today was my first time at an Elementary School. It was fun, but a little tiring. I went to Nishi Nakada Elementary School. I did my self introduction, five kids introduced themselves (sometimes a little more), then we did “Touch your --“ game (with musical accompaniment of ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes’), and we finished the day with ‘Color Demon.’ Nothing makes one happy quite like yelling out colors and watching kids run away from you. It makes ones heart alight with joy and happiness. After that, I returned to school (since it was only 13.30), and sat at my desk. Not much to do since I had no classes to go to. Well, that and the school is preparing for the school festival. I handed out toilet paper, and introduced myself to some students who were laughing and acting all embarrassed outside (since that is what one should do when such a thing happens). That one boy didn’t seem to appreciate it, but that is his own problem since there is nothing funny about saying ‘harro’ to your new assistant teacher. I even say ‘hello’ back.
Oh, I did get to help to enlarge a picture and make it poster sized. That was interesting. Another chance to talk at students and attempt to talk with students. Somehow ‘hobbies’ turned into ‘birthday,’ so now I know one girl’s birthday…but I forget her name. But, May 28th. She was born on that day. Whoever she is.