I have been so busy this week! I'm getting everything ready in my classroom and working from sun up to sun down... and I'm loving every minute of it! I feel so accomplished and satisfied with life now that I have a classroom all my own. I have a purpose and something to look forward to. Did I mention I am super excited about this upcoming year? :)
Thursday was orientation day and I spent the day with other new hires getting to know the school. I called my mom that morning and my younger brother had some advice to give me on my first day at school:
1. Play nice with the other kids.
2. Look both ways before crossing the street.
3. Only make good trades during lunch: my carrot sticks for someone's pudding cup.
He also reminded me that sometimes, when it rains after it hasn't rained in a while, the rain lifts the oils on the road and makes the road slippery. :) (That's a big family joke. Thanks Daddy!)
Today is Saturday and I'm spending it with three wonderful boys and we're going to the Bon Odori festival here on base. I haven't researched the festival much but I hear that it's a Japanese festival that celebrates those who have passed on.
August 20, 2011
August 16, 2011
Unlocking the Door
Yet another day filled with work for my classroom. I went in again this morning but only stayed for a couple hours, after I figured out how to unlock the door. I had to pick up a key from the front office since they are not checking out keys yet. I walked to my building and stuck the key in the lock, turned the knob like the illustration by the knob shows and.. nothing. I try the other door... nothing. As I stand there sweating, I think how funny it would be if someone was inside watching me try to unlock the door. So I peeked in the window just to make sure. I walk around the building to try another door and finally got in, although I'm not sure if I actually unlocked the door or just pulled the it hard enough it opened.
In my classroom, there's not much left I can do until the Librarian can laminate my materials. So I headed home to work on cd labels, cubby name tags, and my behavior chart. Before I could work on this, I had to go buy some more printer cartridges and headed to the NEX. I found all the cartridges and got home, preparing to work my little heart out and... I forgot the single most important cartridge, the big black one. Instead, I worked on other things, typing everything up so I can print them tomorrow after I get the last cartridge.
While I've been out and about, I have noticed something common among the Japanese; they carry a washcloth or small towel around with them to wipe their heads when they sweat. I thought,"How neat! They keep their appearances looking nice and neat even in the heat." I've adopted this practice but have only used paper towels and it is very nice getting somewhere and not dripping in sweat!
In my classroom, there's not much left I can do until the Librarian can laminate my materials. So I headed home to work on cd labels, cubby name tags, and my behavior chart. Before I could work on this, I had to go buy some more printer cartridges and headed to the NEX. I found all the cartridges and got home, preparing to work my little heart out and... I forgot the single most important cartridge, the big black one. Instead, I worked on other things, typing everything up so I can print them tomorrow after I get the last cartridge.
While I've been out and about, I have noticed something common among the Japanese; they carry a washcloth or small towel around with them to wipe their heads when they sweat. I thought,"How neat! They keep their appearances looking nice and neat even in the heat." I've adopted this practice but have only used paper towels and it is very nice getting somewhere and not dripping in sweat!
August 15, 2011
And So it Begins
Although new hires are not required to report to school until Thursday, a little extra time in the classroom motivated me to go in today. And boy am I glad I did! I walked into my classroom for the first time expecting to run home, grab my suitcases full of classroom supplies, and then begin the real work. Surprise! All my furniture has been stacked in the corner and the previous teacher had left some decorations on the walls that needed removing. I was so overwhelmed I did not know where to begin. As I walked around the class (several, several times) I decided that a good place to begin would be my desk and the computer center.
After arranging, rearranging, and rearranging again, I finally got a few items placed where I wanted them: the students tables, the center areas, the whole group carpet, and the reading center. I looked around and saw that I still had quite a few tables left to use, in a room that is already full! I counted and my room has 13 tables in it!
While I was sorting the manipulatives and center toys (all jumbled together), a co-teacher walked in and gave me some much needed answers to the mile high list of questions I have. I'm in luck, I can ask that the tables I don't need be removed! Also, she shows me the curriculum that I am required to teach from giving me a bit more relief. she is very nice and suggests that we get together to plan, bounce ideas around, and just alleviate stress. I'm thankful for this lady who walked in today!
For five hours I work at organizing the classroom and gathering ideas of how my days are going to go. I decide that I'm done in the room for the day because I've still got tons to do with the classroom supplies in my apartment. I'm super excited to go work again tomorrow, maybe I'll even get around to putting some things up on the walls and making the room my own.
After arranging, rearranging, and rearranging again, I finally got a few items placed where I wanted them: the students tables, the center areas, the whole group carpet, and the reading center. I looked around and saw that I still had quite a few tables left to use, in a room that is already full! I counted and my room has 13 tables in it!
While I was sorting the manipulatives and center toys (all jumbled together), a co-teacher walked in and gave me some much needed answers to the mile high list of questions I have. I'm in luck, I can ask that the tables I don't need be removed! Also, she shows me the curriculum that I am required to teach from giving me a bit more relief. she is very nice and suggests that we get together to plan, bounce ideas around, and just alleviate stress. I'm thankful for this lady who walked in today!
For five hours I work at organizing the classroom and gathering ideas of how my days are going to go. I decide that I'm done in the room for the day because I've still got tons to do with the classroom supplies in my apartment. I'm super excited to go work again tomorrow, maybe I'll even get around to putting some things up on the walls and making the room my own.
July 18, 2011
Life Being 24
Since beginning a new year of life, I have had a revelation. I looked back at who I was in middle school, high school, and my first few years of college, and quite frankly, I'm embarrassed! The way I treated people, my attitude on life, my constant need to find myself better than others...
I wish I could find a way to apologize to people without awkwardly hunting them down and giving them a random apology. Apologies over email or FB seem so shallow, as if one is afraid of face to face contact. The only thing I hope for is that these people who I have wronged will not hold it against me. Maybe I will run into them again one day and be able to set things right then.
I wish I could find a way to apologize to people without awkwardly hunting them down and giving them a random apology. Apologies over email or FB seem so shallow, as if one is afraid of face to face contact. The only thing I hope for is that these people who I have wronged will not hold it against me. Maybe I will run into them again one day and be able to set things right then.
July 2, 2011
Blogging Without a Computer
It sure is hard to blog without having a computer handy. In Japan, Alan and I use our iphones for everything from email to Facebook to googling for answers to questions. So when I finally do open up my computer again and try to use it, I am met with an old battery that won't hold a charge.
To recap, Here's what has occurred in the months (yes months) since I last blogged.
I went back to Japan and spent time with my hubby before he had to work again. We took a trip to Tokyo and visited Disney, the Ueno Zoo, the Ueno Museum of Nature and Science (which was huge!), and the Tokyo Tower, Japan's version of the Eiffel Tower. Sadly, pictures are still in Japan so I'll have to upload them when I get back.
After our Tokyo trip, we tried to get back to life as usual but Alan began working long hours and I hardly ever saw him. I went back to subbing at the school which I loved and it helped pass the time. I have been reading like crazy, oftentimes 4-5 books a week. Finally, about a week and a half ago, I flew back to the States to spend the summer with my family and friends.
I can say one thing though: I am beginning to hate going through Customs and Immigration when flying between the two countries.
To recap, Here's what has occurred in the months (yes months) since I last blogged.
I went back to Japan and spent time with my hubby before he had to work again. We took a trip to Tokyo and visited Disney, the Ueno Zoo, the Ueno Museum of Nature and Science (which was huge!), and the Tokyo Tower, Japan's version of the Eiffel Tower. Sadly, pictures are still in Japan so I'll have to upload them when I get back.
After our Tokyo trip, we tried to get back to life as usual but Alan began working long hours and I hardly ever saw him. I went back to subbing at the school which I loved and it helped pass the time. I have been reading like crazy, oftentimes 4-5 books a week. Finally, about a week and a half ago, I flew back to the States to spend the summer with my family and friends.
I can say one thing though: I am beginning to hate going through Customs and Immigration when flying between the two countries.
May 3, 2011
Heading Back to Japan
I am filled to the brim with emotions tonight. I have two flights tomorrow that will bring me to Tokyo, then a bus ride to Atsugi. I feel excited yet anxious, happy but sad, sleepy but restless. I am overjoyed at the thought of seeing my husband again, I have missed him so much. It has been two months since we have seen each other; two months that was only supposed to be two weeks. I'll say, this has been the longest two weeks of my life.
To celebrate being back together, Alan and I are taking a honeymoon. we didn't have one after the wedding because we were married so close to Christmas (two days before). This will be the first trip that Alan and I will have taken together, just the two of us. I'm excited about this as well. We are planning on seeing several sights around Tokyo, Disney, the Tokyo tower, and maybe even a concert.
Maybe I can rest tonight. Luckily my trip tomorrow is not nearly as long as the trip to the States. I pray that it all goes uneventfully.
To celebrate being back together, Alan and I are taking a honeymoon. we didn't have one after the wedding because we were married so close to Christmas (two days before). This will be the first trip that Alan and I will have taken together, just the two of us. I'm excited about this as well. We are planning on seeing several sights around Tokyo, Disney, the Tokyo tower, and maybe even a concert.
Maybe I can rest tonight. Luckily my trip tomorrow is not nearly as long as the trip to the States. I pray that it all goes uneventfully.
April 23, 2011
The Boat Ride
Daddy took us out on his boat for a most excellent, relaxing ride through the bayou. After putting in, we began to putter, and did just that! Putter! We lazily rode along, watching the banks, remarking on the houses we saw, and calling attention to any wildlife.
There were many beautiful houses right along the edge of the bayou (think river). One in particular had an outdoor chess set in which the pieces were about three feet tall and a large chair, over ten feet tall, like the ones my granddad made that my mom had set out on the front porch when we lived in Georgia. Another house had a beautiful cabana by the pool, a place that I would frequent everyday if I lived there.
We saw many birds of different kinds, seagulls, osprey, and red-winged black birds. A huge nest was built in a dead tree high above the water and the mother and father bird could be seen flying about it. The seagulls congregated around the fishermen we passed on the shore, hoping for a bite of whatever bait the men happened to be using.
Perhaps the most exciting of the wildlife we saw was none other than, an alligator. He was lurking near the shore when we puttered by and sank lower into the water until we passed so that you could only see his eyes and the tip of his nose.
There were many beautiful houses right along the edge of the bayou (think river). One in particular had an outdoor chess set in which the pieces were about three feet tall and a large chair, over ten feet tall, like the ones my granddad made that my mom had set out on the front porch when we lived in Georgia. Another house had a beautiful cabana by the pool, a place that I would frequent everyday if I lived there.
We saw many birds of different kinds, seagulls, osprey, and red-winged black birds. A huge nest was built in a dead tree high above the water and the mother and father bird could be seen flying about it. The seagulls congregated around the fishermen we passed on the shore, hoping for a bite of whatever bait the men happened to be using.
Perhaps the most exciting of the wildlife we saw was none other than, an alligator. He was lurking near the shore when we puttered by and sank lower into the water until we passed so that you could only see his eyes and the tip of his nose.
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