Monday, May 17

IN A NUTSHELL: My Own Flag, Now

Fax From Miyoshi Nishida-san faxed me some "helpful hints" in taking the driving test. The translation was a bit funky, but a couple things were helpful (and a couple I only understood because I went to driving school.) The way it was phrased was so Japanese. One of the hints, instead of saying "Check for cars," it said "Isn't a car coming?"

Too Cute! Today, for my third and fourth graders, I continued my lesson on Countries that Speak English, but this time had them match and color the flags for each country. At one point, they asked "Where is Melissa country?" So I drew a star-shaped island off the coast of California. Then they asked, "What's the flag for Melissa country?" I drew a square with a stripe across it and in the middle of the stripe was a big happy face. That got a few laughs. But, after class was over, one of the more artistic girls came over to the blackboard. She gave my happy face hair, a bow, blush, cute eyes, and sparkle lines. She showed it to me as my New National flag. It was so cute!

IN A NUTSHELL: Not Again

Another Activity Evening I called Miyoshi Jr. High early since I did not want to sit around doing nothing for an hour only to have them call right when I'm about to leave and give me a million things to do. Still, it was pretty late when I got a hold of them. (The phone line at Miyoshi Jr. High is busy a lot which is very worrisome.) Minokuchi-sensei confused the heck out me by telling me the schedule had reversed to what she had said last week because when I got on with Sakane-sensei, she spoke as if the schedule was the original way. My notepad was a confusing mess of scribbles by the end of the conversation. And, yes, I have some more activities. On one hand, it is nice that Tomomi is generally giving me a break on activity-making but on the other hand, if I'm doing activities for him, I have built-in ones to use when Miyoshi asks me. It took me so long to think up an activity that practiced "This" and "That" that I did not have enough time to make it before Japanese class. So I spent more evening time doing that. Bleah. If somehow, everyone could figure out what they want sooner, I would be less stressed out.

Odd Job? I was at 7-11 in Funo and one of the clerks said "Melissa-san?" It was a woman I recognized a little. She seemed embarrassed and told me that this was her 'part-time' job. I am now going to look at everyone I know to figure out who she is - I can't imagine that she is a teacher, but who else do I know?

IN A NUTSHELL: Not A Single Minute To Spare The Whole Freaking Day

My Schedule I had four classes scheduled for today, during 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th periods. There was a school play during 6th period and I had to be at driving school by 4:30. Also, I wanted to put out my newsletter which involved making 200 double-sided copies. So, the only possible time I had to do that was before 1st period and during 2nd period. I did a little copying in the morning before and after the meeting, but other teachers wanted to use the machine, too, and theoretically I did not need to be. (The woman on the other copy machine was taking her time.) So I stopped.

Another Genki Class Thanks to my little handwritten notes, I knew ahead of time that I had the class with "Genki" in it. I don't know whether to be impressed or annoyed at how much Tamai-sensei tries to include him in classes. He's a very, very strange boy who will not do ANYTHING asked of him, not even pass handouts to the desk behind him. He makes loud comments occasionally, but not often enough to be a nuisance. He just refuses to participate. When Tamai did the random pairing with numbered magnets on the board, she actually let some poor girl be paired up with Genki. So of course, she ended up doing nothing the first few minutes during the "shotgun" question and answer warm-up. She let me pair up with the girl for the second round, though. I think I would run out of patience with him a lot quicker than Tamai. During my first lesson, I noticed that Tamai did not use either of the activities she had asked me to make. It didn't bother me THAT much, but I kind of wondered why she had even asked. After class, she apologized and said we would do things in a different order for the next class so that we would have time for both of my activities (which she did). It was very sensitive of her to notice, but it was extra work that I seemingly did not have to do.

The Last Two When I went to Sakane-sensei's (stern veteran teacher) two 7th grade classes today, it marked the last two new classes - I've now been to all twelve at least once. And, the good news is that I like more than half the classes. Sakane-sensei did not let me do any introduction beyond "Good morning, my name is Melissa, nice to meet you." I did get to introduce myself personally to every student and shake their hand, at least. (I had to wash my hands after class - I have never liked the custom of shaking hands.) Sakane-sensei did not come to talk to me at ALL before class, and I wondered if she was even going to do the activity I made. However, suddenly, in the middle of class, she finished her topic and said, "Okay, let's do your activity, now." I said okay, but I was really not prepared to explain it because I had wanted to discuss it with Sakane-sensei first. Luckily, she understood what I was getting at with my random this/that Mastermind game and explained to the kids in Japanese.

Um, Hello? After lunch (It is very distracting to eat with students hovering over your desk.) I had another class. Sakane-sensei said "Let's go" very curtly. I started to go, but then realized I forgot something, so walked back to get it. When I reached the stairwell, Sakane was nowhere in sight. Did she not notice I wasn't behind her? I then had to go searching for the classroom. I peeked in several before finding the right one. The bell had already rang. It was the same classroom the last class had been in but a: I hadn't known that and b: I don't know my way around the school well enough to be able to remember where the last class was. And it's MUCH bigger than Sakugi - it is four stories high and really long. A little help, please, Sakane-san? At least I explained my activity MUCH better the second time around and it went very well.

Evil Copy Machines Both copy machines are evil. One likes to act like it is copying, then print the copy to a nearby printer on the wrong-sized paper. Huh? No matter what random kanji-labeled button I press, I can't seem to just get it to copy normally, even though I have been shown that it can be done. The other machine does not copy correctly unless the sheets are in PERFECTLY. The sheets always go in perfectly when they are brand new, but not when I have already printed one side. I had to throw out over 20 messed up copies and re-copy them, only doing the second side a few at a time. It was a very frustrating. I don't have this problem in Sakugi. I did not finish printing the newsletter in time for the play to start. I figured I would have time after the play until they suddenly informed me that the play did not last just 6th period, it lasted until 4:00 - the time I planned to leave! But I really did not want to wait until next week to get the newsletter figured out, so I decided to sneak out of the play a tad early.

Nap Time I sat toward the back in a metal chair behind all the students in the darkened gym. After the inevitable opening ceremony type stuff, something began, but it was not so much a play as a skit. These professional actors came in and taught some chosen students to act robotish and say a line or two. It made absolutely no sense to me at all. I kept almost falling asleep in the dark. Then, about 40 minutes later, the professionals did put on a play. It was kind of cute. The three main characters were tanuki (raccoon-dogs) with shapechanging skills. I think they were trying to get back at a grumpy houseowner. I did not catch all of it and it was hard to hear from the back, but it was cute. I felt bad sneaking out but oh, well. I did finish the English newsletter and write a note (by the time I was done, the play was over anyway) and get to driving school on time.

The Other Driving School I thought I would be such the expert after my last lesson. Um, no. I'm still no good. The course was very similar, but had an extra loop around the back with a hill to practice stopping on and railroad tracks. I nearly drove right over the "railroad tracks," having no idea what the metal bumps and the yellow and black stick were supposed to be. The instructor couldn't believe it. I had a lot of trouble with his Japanese - he was very quiet at first. Randomly, I kept hitting the one red light and accidentally revved a bit in anticipation of the green light. He was pretty clear that being at all impatient was a no-no. I actually went over a curb during a tight left turn (an instant fail at a driver's test) and that did nothing for my confidence. The driver eventually warmed to me and became friendlier. He had a lot of similar advice as compared to the other place, but the other place costs 1300 yen less.

Long Discussions With My Supervisor Right after driving school, I went to the board of education to meet with Nishida-san (she had called Miyoshi Jr. High twice today and I only was able to talk with her during lunch to arrange this meeting.) She led me to a separate table, gave me some coffee and chocolate, invited over another person (a witness?) and proceeded to "talk with me about vacation time." Looking at the calendar I made where I detailed what days I wanted off, she said she was surprised to see so many days grayed out. She couldn't believe how much nenkyuu (yearly leave) I wanted to take. That's what I get for making a nice, clear calendar, I guess. She asked me if there was any way my parents could change their vacation dates. !!! Of course not, sheesh. Those tickets had been bought a month ago at least. She told me that she doesn't like the idea of me taking so many days off in a row. I should make my holidays coincide with school holidays, she said. I told her I usually did. My last two holidays were over winter break and spring break. And, really, why would I want anyone to visit Japan in the heat of sweltering summer break unless they had no other choice? Part of the reason Nishida-san was upset was that the recontracting conference falls right before my parents come so I'll be gone for over a week, almost two. But that conference really isn't my fault. I have to go, even if it means I'll be gone a while. Another problem is that I'm going to be taking my driver's test soon and I have to take a day off every time I do it (which may be three to six days, and all before the end of July.) I saw where she was coming from and I know many schools in Japan are strict about their JETs vacation times, but Sakugi was not like that at all. If I was the only teacher and my classes would be cancelled if I was gone, I would not take vacation so freely, but the truth is that it doesn't seem to matter much. Whether I'm there or not, the classes go on as scheduled, the same things are being taught and learned. Of course I'm making a bit of a difference, but I think they can survive a little week without my exalted presence. I told her I had no idea that Miyoshi was so strict about these things and I think she was surprised that Sakugi was so lax. She let me off the hook since there really isn't anything else to do about it, but she told me to always check with her before tickets are bought next time. She also told me she had called the principal of Sakugi about it and was really surprised when the principal hadn't known about my vacation. I had only told the vice-principal and the English teacher because a: I hardly ever see the principal, b: he's always massively busy and c: it has absolutely nothing to do with him. Anyway, Nishida-san was at least sensitive to the fact that I will be a happier and better ALT if I can take my vacation and be with my parents. Also, she said that she felt like she was making me sad and didn't want me to feel that way. I think she just overestimates a bit how much the teachers/students care if I'm there (especially at the Jr. High.) I did agree to try for a compromise, though. I said I could come to the Junior High on that middle Tuesday and bring my parents over to the school for the afternoon. I guess no more freebies for me. I miss Maruyama-san, but I'm glad she doesn't have to spend the extra time to figure out stuff for me.

That's Not All As if this hour-long discussion with my supervisor wasn't enough, we also had a bunch of other orders of business to figure out. She needed a copy of my car insurance, told me more about the driver's test and gave me more information on the Recontracting Conference in Kobe. I wonder what other duties she has besides having to deal with 7 ALTs. She must be swamped with work, despite that she always makes a lot of time for me. In fact, the whole board of education is always hopping. It had to be after 7 by the time I left, but the place was still full of people. Needless to say, I went to bed very early tonight. I wonder if they all did, too.

IN A NUTSHELL: I Hate Being In A Hurry

Salad In The Principal's Office I mentioned Nishida-san's name and the principal suddenly invited me to talk in his office. (At first, I misinterpreted his gesture to mean "we'll talk about this later" so I sat down at my desk again, but he meant "let's talk about it privately.") I sat down and he was friendly enough, asking when my family was coming and so forth. He was nice and all, but seemed to agree with Nishida-san, though I wonder if he had ever cared before. (Maybe he wouldn't have if Nishida-san hadn't called him.) I told him I would come in on that Tuesday and he was fine with that. Randomly in the middle of our meeting, Mai-chan and her special teacher came in, both in aprons. They served us both small salads. I guess Mai is learning how to cook? Anyway, it was a delicious salad and not too hard to eat with chopsticks. Later, I learned that every staff member had received a salad. It did lighten the mood a bit, so I have no objection, but that certainly was a random salad.

Miyoshi City Hall: Useful For More Than Their Centrally Located Parking Lot Like Nishida-san had asked me to, I went to Miyoshi City Hall today after work to get my alien card updated. (I'm a little irritated because I tried to do this a couple months ago right after Sakugi changed to Miyoshi, but the guy there said I didn't need to. And now I have to get to Miyoshi BEFORE 5pm, which is very difficult and get this taken care of before I even try to take my driver's test, which I want to take next week. I had to leave work at 3:30 to do it.) I left myself enough time, I thought, to get there and then get to my next driving lesson. Then I hit TRAFFIC. I've never hit traffic like that on the back, red-bridge way, but then again, I never use the back way at this hour. I made it to City Hall at about 4 (my lesson was at 4:30) and luckily, when I walked in, some lady behind the counter said "Melissa-san?" If nothing else, it is very convenient to be one of only a few foreigners in the area. Actually, she claimed we had met an enkai, but I don't remember. Anyway, I thought she would re-print my alien card, but she didn't, she just wrote on the back. She wrote really, really slowly, as if the irony gods told her to be as slow as possible since I'm in a hurry. Then again, she had to write complex kanji in a tiny space, so that could have been it, too. She kept asking another guy questions and I had the impression she was 'new.' It also seemed to me that she wrote my address wrong, but I let her carry on with her slow writing, trying not to stare at the clock ticking away behind her. Finally, she handed me back my card. I had about 7 minutes to make it, but the only way I knew how to get there was using the same way with all the traffic, so I asked for a map. Ironically, I found a very nice map before he was able to and discovered exactly what I wanted - an alternate route over the river. I found myself explaining where I was going and why I was going to a driving school if I already could drive, but eventually I pleaded that I had no time and left.

Driving School, Part Three The map of Miyoshi took me along a narrow road over a narrow bridge, but I made it... about 6 minutes late. It is funny that, being in a hurry, I probably drove the worst I'd ever driven... on my way to driving school. The receptionist had to run to the back to find my instructor. He was this stern-looking guy with a matching voice. "Osoi," he said. ("You're late.") Aside from caring, since I was the one paying for this, I thought it was good. I wanted a really strict instructor. Still, though, if only he knew how obsessed I am with punctuality and how much it is not my fault for being late. Anyway, in the beginning, he was very quiet, which I hope was a good sign - maybe it means I'm making less errors. He took me on a totally different course than the last guy, and had me go up to 40kph, which the others had not. I liked him, even before he got started on the smalltalk. While I was attempting to execute the hardest section, a narrow part shaped like a square "S" and called "the crank," he was asking me if I could use chopsticks ([in the local dialect] "I can." "Really?" "Really!") Later he asked me what my salary was. I sort of downed it a bit, but he still said, "Wow, that's high." The weather was drizzly so inevitably he asked "Does it rain in America?" I think I should stop teaching English and start teaching geography. He was very nice, though. Despite his "You're late!" at the beginning, he actually let me stay an extra five minutes at the end for my missed time. However, he tried to get me to come back tomorrow to practice some other section. A: Why didn't we do that section today? and b: is it even on the Hiroshima test course? I think he wants my money. I did not make another reservation for that place (I have one more at Inter on Saturday and that's all I really want to do). Once again, I left the driving school amidst lots of Japanese teenagers.

IN A NUTSHELL: Driving School Again (For The Last Time?)

Best Instructor Yet I could tell almost immediately that the fellow I had this time used to be a real tester. He took me on a totally different course than the last guy. (He asked me if I remembered the course I practiced last time and I didn't quite want to tell him "No, because I've been on two different courses at the other driving school since then" so I just said "No.") I learned even more new things, like looking both ways at any intersection even if there is no sign and even if I have the right of way. I also did terrible. I did a rolling stop through the one stop sign. The stop sign is not in a very logical place, I think. I apparently 'went too slow' and he kept having me shift up into third gear. I also hit the curb not once, but TWICE. After the number of times I've been through the "crank" you would think I have it mastered. No. I could not believe it when he suddenly told me that time was up. After this session, I had less confidence than any other time, but I think at this point, I have at least been TOLD everything I need even if I could not perform the entire course correctly even once. Anyway, after I was finished, he gave me a map of the Hiroshima course for foreigners. It matched almost identically the one my predecessor left me, so that's a good sign.

I Love Random Conversations I was taking a bike ride on my usual path - on the road along the opposite side of the river in Shimane prefecture - and at the bridge, I stopped for a car and ended up talking to the postman, who had also stopped his mini-scooter-bike for the car. He was really nice - just a regular post office guy probably wondering what a foreigner was doing up in his neck of Shimane. I told him I was from across the river in Hiroshima and he said "Oh, that's right, that is Hiroshima." He was really cool. It's always nice to meet friendly people around the neighborhood. (And all the postal people here seem really friendly unlike, say, the ones back home, where "going postal" is a negative term.)

IN A NUTSHELL: Plot Twist Issues

Rambling About "24" I finished first season of "24" tonight. On the whole, it is a tight, extremely well-done show with real, skilled actors from the big screen not just television. The dialogue is fantastic and the plot, clever. I liked everything they had done right up until the last episode. I mean, we knew from episode one that there would be lots of twists, and probably one big one, but the big one just made me go "huh?" I waited for the show to explain it, but it only mentioned one earlier event and did not really explain why the twist otherwise did not make sense. Maybe, in season two, we will find out the "true motives" and understand why the secret bad guy had saved the life of the good guy several times up until the last second when the bad guy finally decided to have the good guy die. Also, the very last scene made it seem like the ENTIRE SEASON was pointless. I liked the "Alternate Ending" better. I'm having a Harry Potter moment. I feel like "I know the writer is good, so they mustn't have thrown in a bunch of inexplicable stuff and a random death toward the end without a REALLY GOOD reason, which will be explained in the next book/season. Right? Please tell me I'm right."