May 1st, 2006

A quick update.

School is going well. Well, its going as good as it can right now. I have three classes at the highschool. I teach 11 first years twice a week and 28 3rd years once a week. Its weird and Im having to feel my way around. Im trying to figure out how much they know and don't know. They don't know obvious phrases like 'how was your weekend' but know weird vocabulary. So, wish me luck. I don't have much guidance so Im just learning by doing. Heh.

I also teach 37 6th graders 3 times a week. Thats pretty cool except there is one kid who is fluent in English. He's a good kid, really sweet, but the first day I went in to Super English, he translated EVERYTHING I said. And thats bad. Part of the way the kids learn, is by hearing lots of english and very little japanese. It forces them to listen and see if they can figure out what I am saying by listening to my words and watching my gestures. When someone is translating for me, they don't get that. But! I know his mom, so I talked to her and then I talked to the kid. They are both fine with not translating for me. Like I said, he's a good kid and was just trying to help. The kids are rowdy but they are really excited that I am there teacher. Chris also teaches at the same school and they love the fact that we are married. It excites them. Unfortunately, I think I am going to be switching classes soon because the other classes of 6th graders think its unfair that 6-3 gets the american teacher. I hope not, but we will see.

Anyways, last week i got pretty sick. I called it my pennance for being so mean to my sister when she had allergies. Remember, I have never had allergies before. I didn't really understand how crappy you feel. Sucky! Anyways, apparently, there is some type of pollen in Japan that gives me terrible allergies. It started on Sunday but got bad enough that by Wednesday, I had completely lost my voice. All I could do was whisper. Unfortunately, I had to cancel class at the highschool adn go to the doctors. I have 6 different medicines! 5 pills and some cough syrup. Thats no fun. I have to take them all at different times, so its really annoying. I am much better today though. I almost have my voice back completely and Im not snotty anymore. So thats good. Chris got allergies too, but not as bad as me. He was so sweet when I was sick though. Very patient because I am really grumpy when Im sick.

Tomorrow, we leave for Tokyo! It's Golden week so Chris has the week off and the rest of my classes have holiday too. Thats spiffy. So we are going to Tokyo to visit some friends. It should be a lot of fun. I am really excited. I should have some pictures when we get back. Just don't bug me for them! I will get them up when I have time. There is a lot going on right now. Saturday English starts soon and so does my English tea. So I have less time than normal. So no pestering!!

I love and miss you all. I hope you have a fun week too!