I managed to get out in time to rush home and grab my rolls and head to the train station. On my way I got a call from Atley saying that since I’d missed Bible study last week (I was in Kyoto) I missed the fact that they were meeting 30 minutes earlier so they could start the Thanksgiving feast earlier. So, I missed the ride from the train station, but he was kind enough to offer to pick me up at the station closer to the Brown’s house. Dinner was delayed, but I made it and we all had a great dinner. I know what I was thankful for – being there! It was a lovely dinner with all the traditional elements, including cranberry sauce (from Costco). It was wonderful to have a rowdy Thanksgiving evening, though one kid and a bunch of adults can’t compare to the beautiful chaos of all my cousins and Aunts and Uncles. I was grateful for the one kid, at least! Someone has to keep jungle gym Aunt/cousin Janet in shape!
Tuesday (Nov. 29) I slept in an hour since I was out past my bedtime last night. Bedtime has been getting earlier and earlier and is near 9pm now. That made 11pm hard to do, but of course it’s worth it! I only had one class today because my third year students are taking exams. That gave me the day to prepare and work on stuff. I have no lack of things to do! I have a make up test for a few girls, helped 1st years with their upcoming oral exams (I’m getting excited!) and helped a math teacher find a write up of a math concept in easy English. I like combining subjects! I’m not sure if he’ll use what I found, though. It’s hard for me to know what is hard and what is easy for them, and he’s probably too nice to tell me if he doesn’t use it. The weather was a bit mild and very windy, so that was nice. Mt. Fuji is more covered in a very powdery snow and it sure is beautiful! Check out my obsessive photos of Mt. Fuji at irishoboe.shutterfly.com I didn’t take one today, but I’m sure they’ll be snow on her for a while . . .
A number of students came to me after class for help with their oral exam dialogues (can you tell the testing starts tomorrow?). I was happy to help and it helped me get closer to some students I’d not had much time with. We also had to communicate alone because Naito sensei was out. I think it gave the kids a sense of accomplishment that we were able to talk in a crazy mix of English/Nihongo. At least they screeched with some sort of excitment as they left my office . . .
As I left for the day I heard the music teacher playing Greensleeves and couldn’t help stopping in. I ended up staying for their whole practice singing Christmas music with them. I even had a go at Santa Clause is Coming to Town in Japanese! My kana reading has much improved! I helped them with proper technique in playing handbells (did you know that Toys R Us sells handbells???) and sang along as they played The First Noel. It was less depressing to sing Christmas carols with them than when I heard the music in the store. I’m not sure why since I know they don’t have any more of an understanding of what they’re singing, but I think they care and I’m in a position to share with them, so maybe that’s why. They were all very happy to have me there and I had a fun time. It made for ten hours at work, but it was worth it. I came home with energy and cleaned up some stuff that’s been a mess since moving in. I have some extra motivation because Nikko is coming to teach me how to make miso soup tomorrow night. It’s nearly 8pm now, which means I have an hour before bedtime. I’m off to read that new book Suzie gave me. Why do I let her give me one every week . . . ?
I love you all!